If so, the Economist is hopping on a German domestic debate by turning it upside down and omitting comparison. A study for a branch of the SPD analysed that the neoliberal reforms of recent years in Germany have created a new underclass (Unterschicht). There was much hypocritical debate after this (with former Schröderites in denial, Greens pretending they had no part in it, and CDU pretending this is only about Schröder era policies).

_{*Lunatic*, n.
One whose delusions are out of fashion.}