Industry President attacks Scholz: Chancellery counters harshly – has “disqualified” himself. An ex-government spokesman believes that the harsh tone is the wrong approach - this means that Russwurm has disqualified himself.

Business associations are calling for internationally competitive electricity prices, faster planning and approval procedures, less bureaucracy and tax reform. In fact, Habeck and Lindner look at the situation and German competitiveness differently. Both see the economic engine is sputtering and have different ideas for how to fix it.