Berlin. German Economics Minister Katharina Reiche (CDU) has called for a "fitness regimen" and a renewed competitive spirit following the spring economic forecast from leading research institutes. "Germany must want to win again," the minister told news broadcaster Welt.

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"What matters now is that we finally tackle the long-planned reforms that go beyond the coalition agreement," she said. The chancellor and the finance minister had both put forward proposals. "We need to get this country back in shape. Social welfare systems must not drive up costs further or burden labor. We need to make our labor laws more flexible, extend overall working hours, and invest in research and innovation."

She added that she herself had proposed measures to bring soaring energy costs under control. "This is a major reform package we must commit to. Germany must want to win again. To do that, we need a fitness regimen—and we'll only get it through sweeping structural reforms that we've pledged to push through by this summer."