Ihk misses solutions for energy turnaround

As an "important basis for action for the development of germany in the next four years" IHK president friedrich herdan describes the present coalition agreement between the CDU, CSU and SPD. However, one can see "light and shadow", according to a statement.

A positive aspect, according to herdan, is that the future government does not want to "turn the tax screw"." Because further cost burdens for companies at this point in time would weaken the competitiveness and innovative strength of germany as a business location. The planned increase in funding for the expansion of transport routes is also positive, the president added: "investments in a high-performance transport infrastructure are urgently needed to maintain the future viability of economic areas, especially far from conurbations." To reduce the "nationwide investment backlog" but further "efforts are needed to find sources of financing". Whether he means the car toll, he leaves open.

From the point of view of the business community, the commitment to dual vocational training and a stronger link between vocational and academic education is also gratifying: "we see this as an important measure to counter the shortage of skilled workers in regions outside the metropolitan areas." On the other hand, the coalition agreement on the energy turnaround "only provides inadequate solutions" pointed out. The coalition agreement does focus on security of supply and the affordability of electricity. "However, the costs for the economy and consumers will continue to grow in view of the m decreases that have become apparent so far."

The IHK sees the main risk of the coalition agreement in the ability to finance the additional expenditures in the pension and social sectors, which are being met in times of stable economic activity, with but a slowdown in the economy could quickly become a risk factor for the federal budget. Herdan concludes: "we had hoped for more design policy and less distribution policy. The costs for our companies threaten to rise further, especially due to regulations and bureaucracy on the labor market."