Germany has Europe’s lowest birth rate, at just 1.36 children per woman, according to the federal statistical agency. During her first term in office in 2006, Mrs Merkel introduced generous child benefit payments, worth up to 65% of a new parent’s salary to a maximum of 1800 euros a month. But the policy has had little effect on the country’s birth rate, which continues to dwindle. Most schools in Germany end at lunchtime, making it difficult for parents to work full-time – though an increasing number are beginning to stay open in the afternoon.