Trump’s swearing-in: Mützenich warns of job losses if Trump imposes punitive tariffs

SPD parliamentary group leader Rolf Mützenich has warned of the massive impact of possible punitive tariffs by the new US government on the German economy and has threatened to take countermeasures from the EU if this happens. “If these tariffs come, it will also cost jobs in Germany,” said the chairman of the largest government faction in the Bundestag to the German Press Agency. “Overall, this would set the global economy back.”

The future US President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened import tariffs that could also affect Europe before his swearing-in ceremony, scheduled for this evening in Germany. A few days ago, the “Süddeutsche Zeitung” quoted a study by the Prognos Institute, according to which 1.2 million jobs in Germany depend on exports to the USA, of which Trump’s tariffs could endanger 300,000.

“Poison for the international economy”

“Tariffs are poison for the international economy, which is still recovering from the corona pandemic and trying to cope with geoeconomic changes,” said Mützenich. China has weak growth, is pushing very hard into the international market and will certainly react to punitive tariffs.

“But the European Union also has a toolbox to provide the right answers,” emphasized the SPD parliamentary group leader. In its response, Europe will “make a careful distinction between words and deeds” and is also prepared to de-escalate. But it is necessary to “react with a clear mind to what is decided in Washington.”

Mützenich sees Scholz in a leadership role in reaction

Mützenich sees German Prime Minister Olaf Scholz (SPD) in a leadership role in reacting to Trump’s decisions. The Chancellor has already filled this role with his clear criticism of Trump’s territorial claims in Greenland, Canada and Panama. The SPD parliamentary group leader was generally concerned about Trump’s “sometimes disturbing announcements and excessive demands.”

“Don’t depend on Trump alone” when it comes to Putin contacts

However, he has no objection to the US President’s planned meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the Ukraine war. However, he advocated that Scholz also remain in contact with the Kremlin boss. “I don’t want to depend solely on Trump when it comes to contacting Putin. We shouldn’t depend on the opinion or course of a man who has been convicted by a criminal jury.”

Trump was convicted by a court in May of concealing hush money payments. “This has a special quality and reinforces the distrust that already exists,” said Mützenich.