Germany's economy shrunk for a second consecutive year in 2024, continuing its struggle with internal and external challenges.

BERLIN (AP) — The German economy, Europe’s biggest, shrank for the second consecutive year in 2024, according to preliminary official figures released Wednesday weeks before an election in which the economy is the top issue.

Friedrich Merz, the chancellor candidate for the conservative Christian Democratic Union acknowledged the need for a “major effort” to revive the economy as his party pledges to return German growth to 2 percent over the next five years through changes to the welfare and tax systems.

Germany's statistics office says the country's economy shrank by 0.2% in 2024 in second consecutive year of decline

Germany’s economy contracted for the second consecutive year in 2024 as cautious consumers curtailed spending even as competition from China eroded the country’s traditional export markets, particularly cars and industrial machinery. The development highlights the challenges the next government will face after the snap elections in February.

Germany's economy shrank for a second straight year in 2024, official figures showed Wednesday, with little hope of a speedy recovery as Europe's traditional powerhouse is also mired in political crisis.