As of: January 30, 2024, 1:38 p.m
By: Marcel Reich
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The leading associations of German business are calling for reforms.
In an incendiary letter to Chancellor Scholz, they warn of growing frustration and uncertainty in companies.
Munich – In an incendiary letter to Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD), the leading German business associations have 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 on Tuesday.
“Wirtschaftswoche” had previously reported on it.
Olaf Scholz (r.) and Robert Habeck (l.): The German economy shrank in the fourth quarter of 2023. © Michael Kappeler
“We are observing political, social and economic developments with great concern.”
“We are observing the political, social and economic developments in which our country is currently experiencing 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 small and medium-sized businesses shrink, the transformation towards climate neutrality cannot succeed.”
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.
Specifically, the associations are calling for, for example, faster planning and approval procedures, a “liberation blow” in the bureaucracy, a tax reform, a “stop sign” in social security contributions and reforms in pensions.
The letter comes from the presidents of the Federal Association of German Employers' Associations, the Federal Association of German Industry, the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Central Association of German Crafts.
With material from dpa