Leading German business associations express great concern about political, social and economic developments and demand more trust and confidence from politicians.
In an incendiary letter to Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD), the leading German business associations called for reforms for an economic awakening in Germany. “Frustration and uncertainty are growing in many companies,” says the letter, which was available to the German Press Agency. “Wirtschaftswoche” had previously reported on it.
“We are observing the political, social and economic developments in which our country finds itself with great concern,” the letter says. Germany is becoming less attractive as a location. The relocation of industrial production abroad is increasing. “But if there is no investment in this country and the middle class shrinks, the transformation towards climate neutrality cannot succeed.”
What the associations specifically demand
With a “strong signal of departure” and long-term, reliable, business-friendly framework conditions, politicians can and must build more trust among companies and create confidence for a successful transformation. The federal government must take measures that promote an economic revival. Federal Finance Minister Christian Lindner spoke of an initiative that was “very welcome”. “After consolidating the state budget, dynamizing the economy is now a priority. Social and ecological projects cannot be financed without growth,” said the FDP chairman in response.
Specifically, the associations are calling for, for example, faster planning and approval procedures, a “liberation stroke” in the bureaucracy, a tax reform, a “stop sign” in social security contributions and pension reforms. Lindner said: “The proposals from the German economy form a good basis for a necessary dynamization package from the federal government.” The letter to the Chancellor comes from the presidents of the Federal Association of German Employers’ Associations, the Federal Association of German Industry, and the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Central Association of German Crafts.
Source: Stern
