Germany's welfare expenditure just crossed a telling threshold – over 30% of the entire economy now funnels into social programs. That's not just a number on a chart. It signals something deeper: a system where incentives have warped and costs spiral without clear boundaries. When nearly a third of economic output gets redirected to welfare mechanisms, you're looking at structural issues that go beyond simple budget line items. The real question isn't whether people deserve support – it's whether this model can sustain itself when the ratio keeps climbing.