Many in struggling countries across the world envy Germany 's strong economy . Economist Waltraud Schelkle says the ` ` German model '' is not as perfect as it may appear . Schelkle : Germany 's beggar - my - neighbor model also hurt the country 's own economy . Germany has the highest proportion of low wage workers in Western Europe .
Many in struggling countries across the eurozone envy Germany 's strong economy . Economist Waltraud Schelkle says the `` German model '' is not as perfect as it may appear . Schelkle : Germany 's beggar-my-neighbor policies also hurt the country 's own people . Germany has the highest share of low wage workers in Western Europe .