BDI President Peter Leibinger on the outcome of the Bundestag elections

“A black-red coalition will only do justice to this country if it sees itself as a coalition for solving major tasks. It needs a real new start. We need far-reaching structural reforms for the economy, and the defence of Germany and Europe must be sustainably strengthened. 

The parties must now prove that they have understood the seriousness of the situation and are prepared to act boldly, quickly and together: The dangerous downward spiral of a lack of investment and weak growth must be stopped. 

Germany is in a deep economic crisis. A partially dilapidated domestic infrastructure, a shortage of skilled labour, an excessive tax and duty burden, energy prices that are far too high by international standards and a tangle of bureaucracy have all contributed to this. 

Companies expect the future German government to quickly reduce bureaucracy and develop a bold strategic plan for more investment and the further development of Germany as a business location instead of small-scale recipes to alleviate symptoms. A growing economy is a necessary prerequisite for guaranteeing our security, maintaining the social system and achieving the necessary transformation of the economy. 

Everything that creates growth must now take centre stage. A trend reversal can only be achieved through a package of measures: Public investment in modern infrastructure, transformation and the resilience of our economy. Prompt signals of relief in the energy sector through quick decisions on the power plant strategy and permanent relief on grid fees and electricity tax. A noticeable reduction in bureaucracy and small-scale requirements such as oversized reporting obligations. And a clear strategy for the massive promotion of innovations, combined with more freedom for people and companies to realise them. 

The new federal government must have a strong voice in Europe. Germany is dependent on European unity, joint economic strength and a competitive EU. This applies in particular to defence policy. Germany should take a strong stance in the EU in favour of the common European cause.”