The F.A.Z. is not known for lurid headlines, but this topic was too tempting even for the business editors ("Mercedes announces high profits and almost simultaneously applies for "Kurzarbeit"/short-time work"; FAZ, Wirtschaft, page 15 of February 21, 2023)
Politicians express outrage, but what is the legal situation? Will generous subsidies now be followed by meticulous checks and, in the end, strict penalties?