Comparing an old welfare state that lives off the dwindling inheritance of past productivity to a poorer post-war country in recovery from decades of gang violence is not the gotcha you think it is. Germany is taking away benefits to prop up its crumbling system and punishing workers for its spectacular mismanagement, whereas El Salvador is in the middle of a reform of its medical system (and economy, and education sector, etc.). Germany has a chancellor who berates his people and celebrates his own failures, whereas El Salvador has a president who actually cares, and would you believe it—one is the world’s most popular elected head of state, while the other is the least popular. But sure, Germany is still wealthier than El Salvador. Congratulations! I hope they don’t mess that up too.