Before the Corona summit: Trade calls for rapid opening - otherwise there is a risk of "economic total loss"

In view of the lockdown, desperation is growing in stationary retail.

The Corona summit on Wednesday must finally bring a clear perspective, HDE boss Stefan Genth calls in an interview.

• The

  lockdown

  hit the catering and stationary retail sectors particularly hard.

• Many companies are now struggling to

  survive

  .

• In view of this, the head of the

  HDE

  trade association

  ,

  Stefan Genth

  , is now quickly

  demanding

  clarification - and harshly criticizes Federal Economics Minister Peter Altmaier.

Munich - The trade association HDE is pushing for a clear opening schedule in the run-up to the Corona * summit of the federal and state governments on Wednesday.

The general conditions for opening steps would have to be “clearly defined”, demanded HDE managing director Stefan Genth in an interview with Merkur.de *.

The retail trade must "be allowed to open even if the incidence is over 50 under very strict conditions," said Genth.

The “right way” are step-by-step plans that are adapted to the incidence figures.

Genth warned strongly against a significant extension of the lockdown.

If there are no further opening steps by Easter, there is a risk of “an economic total loss for tens of thousands of retailers and many inner cities.

Then we experience ghost towns and empty shops all over Germany. "

Trade association: Harsh criticism of Federal Minister of Economics Altmaier

Genth also criticized Peter Altmaier (CDU) surprisingly.

He “doesn't quite” understand the role of the Federal Minister of Economics.

His task must be to cushion the consequences of the pandemic for the economy and to encourage courage.

There is "still a lot to do."

Genth also sees considerable need for correction in the payment of the state corona aid.

It is true that the latest revision brings "real progress on some points".

However, "no money has yet flowed".

In addition, despite the adjustments, the aid remained "very bureaucratic and cumbersome in many respects".

Trade association calls for Sunday openings

In order to get the stationary trade back on its feet as quickly as possible after an opening, the HDE boss also pleaded for a relaxation of the sales ban on Sundays.

"Especially after the lockdown, dealers need the chance to catch up on lost sales," said Genth.

"It would be very good if the sales ban on Sundays were relaxed."

In the run-up to the federal-state summit on Wednesday, other business associations had also called for prospects for the end of the lockdown.

It was not until Tuesday morning, for example, that the President of the Craftsmen Hans Peter Wollseifer made the federal and state governments responsible.

It is about "the sheer survival of a large number of companies," explained Wollseifer.

Previously, the influential Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) had also increased the pressure on politicians and called for the car dealerships to be opened from February 15.

The current situation not only threatens “the dealerships themselves”, but also “affects manufacturers and suppliers via the supply chains,” she warned.

Lockdown end: politicians urge patience

In politics, meanwhile, there is growing concern about easing too early.

SPD health expert Karl Lauterbach sees the easing leeway “at zero” in view of new virus variants.

The Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder and Hamburg's First Mayor had recently spoken out in favor of extending the lockdown.

* Merkur.de is part of the Ippen Digital network.