Abstract
Democracy in Germany is being challenged like never before in history. Criticism and radicalisation are growing, while acceptance and support are dwindling. There are many reasons for this – not least economic ones. “Growth weakness” is turning into a problem of fiscal sustainability. Economic and political systems are endangered by overburdening. Ways out of this danger can only be found if significant changes can be made in three areas: worst-case scenarios must be included; analysis must go beyond traditional supply-side policies and focus more on questions of distribution and justice; the search horizon for solutions must be expanded in the direction of socio-cultural potentials, with a shift in focus from technical to social innovation. The transformation to sustainable development must be understood as a cultural transformation; this is the only way it will succeed.