Germany’s Merz to press cabinet for faster pro-growth reforms

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is set to press his cabinet next week to hasten reforms designed to alleviate the pressures on businesses and stimulate economic growth, according to the Bild am Sonntag newspaper. The priority for Germany, Merz emphasized, is growth and employment, which he told the newspaper would be the top focus as they convene for a cabinet retreat in Neuhardenberg, Brandenburg.

The conservative leader of the Christian Democratic Union plans to ensure ministers swiftly act on reforms previously decided before the summer recess, including tax measures, pension reforms, deregulation, and digitalization initiatives. Merz stated that these decisions made before the break must now be implemented as quickly as possible.

He reiterated that the government's paramount objective is to provide rapid and comprehensive relief for the economy, with particular attention to tradespeople and small and medium-sized enterprises.