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This is definitely a problem in Germany as well. The water head of universities become bigger and bigger while research and teaching staff is being kept on fixed-term contracts.

This is a disgrace and hurts the research in the short term and the economy in the longer term. I realize that individual researchers are not a priority for people at the top but having strong research and skilled people should be important to them.

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The only reliable path to a permanent contract at a German university is to join the administration. Everything else is fixed-term, with the exception of the professorships, which are a lottery with an incredibly high ticket price.

Yep. Some states still have a permanent contract for a senior assistant. Depending on how well the professor negotiates their terms they might be lucky if they get a second one. However, this is rarely the case unless you are a well-sought after professor.

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