Brandbrief: Wirtschaft erhöht Druck auf Merz: „Versprechen einlösen“

Fifteen months after Chancellor Friedrich Merz took office, Germany's economy is losing patience with the federal chancellor. In a brandbrief signed by business associations and representatives of prominent Bavarian and Baden-Württemberg companies, economic pressures are demanding swift social reforms in Germany. The letter, obtained by the Deutsche Presse-Agentur, cites high energy costs, international competition, and a changing economic environment as factors that have significantly burdened many businesses.

The text states that the specific formulation of social and economic policy frameworks will determine whether companies remain competitive, retain jobs, and can invest in their locations. Among the 17 signatories are Siemens AG executives and leaders from the automotive industry, heavily represented by companies like Audi, BMW, Porsche, and ZF.

Moreover, the metal employers' associations from Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg have also signed the letter. Nina Warken, Chancellor's Office Minister, insisted there was no substantive dissent, noting that there are many levers to consider: "We must examine labor surcharges, energy costs, the labor market situation, and how we can create more flexibility in working hours."

She mentioned a reform of statutory health insurance initiated by her as health minister, calling it a contribution to stable labor surcharges. She also mentioned other areas such as care and pensions. However, implementing such large reform packages in the autumn remains a significant challenge. Healthineers CEO Bernhard Montag took a different stance, stating that he does not like the "constant deliberation" process because he believes companies are not in a planned or state economy.

He emphasized that he does not believe the government is responsible for economic growth. Some business leaders behave towards political action as they would towards their employees, believing they have a right to have someone support them, which he sees as a fundamental misunderstanding. The brief signed by business leaders demands real structural reforms in all branches of social insurance that focus on costs and curb the continuous rise in expenses.

Only then can labor costs in Germany be reduced to a competitive level internationally. They also advocate for a block solution regarding part-time retirement, which is the variant chosen in 99.5% of cases by both companies and employees. Abolishing it would be an unjustified intervention in a functioning and urgently needed instrument for transformation.

The text concludes that labor time flexibility must increase, and a daily maximum of ten hours is outdated. A massive problem for many businesses is finding enough skilled workers; nearly a quarter of German companies suffer from a shortage of skilled labor, according to an Ifo Institute study. A survey of Munich experts revealed that 23.2% of companies reported a shortage of skilled workers, a figure two percentage points higher than in April.

However, the value is still well below the long-term average of nearly one-third (31.7%). The sluggish economy is currently limiting the demand for skilled labor, but Ifo expert Daria Schaller expects a sharper increase once the economy strengthens.