+UPDATE+
The former communist regions of eastern Germany are poised to overtake the economies of the majority of British regions.
While UK economy is generally only about 10% behind that of Germany in overall per capita GDP - something strange is happening below the surface...
The former communist regions of eastern Germany are poised to overtake the economies of the majority of British regions.
While UK economy is generally only about 10% behind that of Germany in overall per capita GDP - something strange is happening below the surface...
2/
UK GDP looks good as an average - but figures are skewed by the powerful London & South East that together have a per capita GDP of € 50 000.
This is higher than 🇩🇪 national average. And as its where vast majority of opinion formers are based influences UK self-perception.
UK GDP looks good as an average - but figures are skewed by the powerful London & South East that together have a per capita GDP of € 50 000.
This is higher than 🇩🇪 national average. And as its where vast majority of opinion formers are based influences UK self-perception.
3/
However beyond London + South East, we start to see the UK is so unequal many of its regions are fast being caught up by the poorer ex communist areas.
Already in 2018 Sachsen overtook not only the structutally weak N. East & N Ireland...but Wales, Yourshire & East Midlands.
However beyond London + South East, we start to see the UK is so unequal many of its regions are fast being caught up by the poorer ex communist areas.
Already in 2018 Sachsen overtook not only the structutally weak N. East & N Ireland...but Wales, Yourshire & East Midlands.
4/
But even more remarkable its not just the fastest growing region Sachsen that's overtaking UK regions.
On the latest stats available It is estimated that EVERY East German region has already overtaken N. East England & Wales.
Its amazing how little notice this has received.
But even more remarkable its not just the fastest growing region Sachsen that's overtaking UK regions.
On the latest stats available It is estimated that EVERY East German region has already overtaken N. East England & Wales.
Its amazing how little notice this has received.
5/
If you extrapolate the stats from
statista.com/statistics/116… + statistikportal.de then a majority of the 6 East German regions will soon overtake a majority of the 12 UK regions, this applies even tho London/SE growing fast (pre COVID).
If you extrapolate the stats from
statista.com/statistics/116… + statistikportal.de then a majority of the 6 East German regions will soon overtake a majority of the 12 UK regions, this applies even tho London/SE growing fast (pre COVID).
One should be careful on comparisons, but there must be implications for🏴&🏴independence.
Eastern Germany had pre 1990:
45 years communism
5 years Nazi war
7 years Nazi rule
14 years Weimar chaos
4 years war
& yet its richer than Wales, which was part an undefeated empire.
Eastern Germany had pre 1990:
45 years communism
5 years Nazi war
7 years Nazi rule
14 years Weimar chaos
4 years war
& yet its richer than Wales, which was part an undefeated empire.
The more I think about the more I think the key to economic rejuvenation is devolved regional govt with real powers...
...and a national govt honestly & massively committed to regional growth & lower geographical inequality.
...and a national govt honestly & massively committed to regional growth & lower geographical inequality.
8/
...and for those who say "ah but its Germany.."
Ex Communist Slovenia, Estonia & Czechia tho not quite there yet...are not that far behind the North East & Wales.
Within a few years we could well be at a stage where at least 3 ex communist states are richer than UK regions.
...and for those who say "ah but its Germany.."
Ex Communist Slovenia, Estonia & Czechia tho not quite there yet...are not that far behind the North East & Wales.
Within a few years we could well be at a stage where at least 3 ex communist states are richer than UK regions.
Next point:
If you are Welsh & have thus for much of the last 200 years been part of the world largest empire with worlds financial centre, and yet see ex communist states already pulling ahead of 🏴...
...what is it that makes you confident - post-Brexit UK will reverse this?
If you are Welsh & have thus for much of the last 200 years been part of the world largest empire with worlds financial centre, and yet see ex communist states already pulling ahead of 🏴...
...what is it that makes you confident - post-Brexit UK will reverse this?
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