Around Germany and Greece there were other countries. They went by names like frugal four and PIIGS. They forced "austerity" and stricter working hours onto indebted countries to save their own banks.
The colours on this map show well that northern "productivity" is not about working hours, but about other topics that did not get addressed. Among these topics are also tax heavens (think the Netherlands) and money laundering (think Austria's special relationship with Russia).
So it was nothing more than poor political leadership without vision.
okay, but regarding productivity: do you really buy that idea?
Because to me that would imply that greek workers are just less productive than german workers, which is why they have to work so hard.
There are a lot of other factors at play
I'm German for context. I was born into a country that was already pretty well-off economically speaking, long before I could participate. I got a great education for free. I dont work less because I'm more productive or efficient. I work less, because our country can afford better labor laws and there is a social net that catches family members who are struggling and/or have bad health. I got work at all because the german economy performs comparably well and our politicians and rich people didnt screw up this bad. At least not when our own country is concerned. Dont want to make a statement about foreign policy.
They might be, they might not be, but if they are less productive even when working more hours then something must be done to both help the country and give them more free time.
well, what happened is that Greece was forced into a state of austerity that didnt help absolve them of debt and ultimately caused more damage than good. Especially for the working population.
Thats kinda important, regarding Germanys role in "helping" the country.