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Photo: Jochen Tack / imago images / Jochen Tack
The criticism of the federal government's economic aid in the pandemic is increasing.
"The implementation of the economic aid has actually been a disaster recently, and the money has flowed far too slowly," said Marcel Fratzscher, President of the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW), in the "ZDF morning magazine".
This is catastrophic for the economy.
Many companies are on the verge of existence and it will deteriorate dramatically over the next few months.
"Many need a perspective, and in the end they still don't have that."
The situation is particularly precarious for the self-employed and mini-jobbers.
In any case, the federal government would have to launch another economic program in the coming months.
“Actually, politicians have to tell companies now: You will get the help well beyond the summer as long as you need it,” said the DIW President.
"This economic aid is a huge failure"
Green parliamentary group leader Katrin Göring-Eckardt criticized the slow implementation of the Corona economic aid.
"This economic aid is a huge failure of the federal government, a shift between the economics minister and the finance minister."
Many business associations were also disappointed.
The German Trade Association (HDE) asked for more money.
HDE managing director Stefan Genth demanded that monthly contributions and payments on account must be increased for bridging aid and that large chain stores with annual sales of over 750 million euros should also be included in the group of recipients.
In addition, Genth demanded an "entrepreneur's wage" for smaller dealers and easier depreciation options for unsalable goods.
What the federal government has "delivered" to economic aid so far, Genth described as a "poor certificate".
He expects numerous trading companies to legally fight for higher aid: "Here we will see lawsuits that are absolutely understandable."
According to the HDE, 200,000 retail companies affected by the ongoing lockdown are currently losing a total of around 700 million euros per closed sales day.
The association now fears "significantly more" than 50,000 bankruptcies: "We are assuming at least 250,000 jobs that would be lost," said Genth.
Ingrid Hartges, General Manager of the German Hotel and Restaurant Association (Dehoga), criticized the fact that there is still no opening perspective: "The fact that hotels and restaurants are not mentioned in the present resolution triggers frustration and despair in the industry."
Hartges said: "We did not expect a specific opening date, but definitely with a statement as to when and under what conditions hotels and restaurants will be able to receive guests again." The industry expects a coordinated timetable by the next Corona consultations on March 3 at the latest for the restart of the hospitality industry.
The Federal Association of Medium-Sized Businesses criticized that there was still a lack of a clear timetable for the “lock-off” of the economy, as well as a business summit with experts from medium-sized businesses, the unions and politics.
"Again the federal government is putting off small and medium-sized businesses with non-binding promises and leaving them begging on the drip of bridging aid," said Federal Managing Director Markus Jerger.
In the hairdressing industry, however, there is relief - from March 1st, hairdressers will be able to work again.
Harald Esser, President of the Central Association of the German Hairdressing Trade, described the mood as follows: »An entire industry is taking a deep breath.
We finally have perspective and planning security. "
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hej / dpa
