Business associations call for coordinated Ampel plan

Berlin (dpa) - Ahead of two economic summits, business associations have called on the coalition government to take unified and swift action to boost the economy. "The economic data calls for haste," Jörg Dittrich, President of the German Confederation of Skilled Crafts, told the German Press Agency. "A joint, coherent and coordinated government plan is needed - not fragmented party or election campaign tactics." The current talks will have to emphasize the need for an economic policy concept that is fully supported by the government.

In the morning, the president of the skilled crafts sector will take part in a meeting between Finance Minister and FDP leader Christian Lindner and FDP parliamentary group leader Christian Dürr with business representatives - who have not been invited to an industry summit with Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) in the afternoon. The German economy is in crisis; according to forecasts, 2024 will be the second year of recession in a row.

DIHK Managing Director Martin Wansleben said that the poor economic situation had reached companies in full. "General discussions won't help now, only concrete measures will: Firstly, adopt the federal budget, secondly, finally accelerate planning, thirdly, implement the growth initiative in concrete terms."

VDMA: mood booster needed

The mechanical engineering association VDMA is one of the organizations taking part in the industry summit. Managing Director Thilo Brodtmann told dpa: "In addition to economic aspects, the summit should also address the structural challenges that are currently hampering investment and innovation in Germany and Europe. In the areas of taxes, reducing bureaucracy and the shortage of skilled workers, a lot of impetus could be provided without major financial outlay. If the federal government were to bundle all of this into one package, it would be an important signal that the problems of the economy are being taken seriously - and it would be a real mood booster."

Liberal professions: No time for party-political banter

The President of the Federal Association of Independent Professionals, Stephan Hofmeister, told dpa that quick and reliable measures are absolutely necessary to get the German economy back on the road to success. "Any serious consideration of the economic crisis is imperative, there is no time for party political skirmishes in view of the pressing challenges." Hofmeister attends the FDP meeting.

IG Metall: Action must be taken

The chairwoman of the IG Metall trade union, Christiane Benner, described the situation of the industry and its employees as urgent. "Action must finally be taken, and the "industrial labor summit" is exactly the right thing to do." IG Metall expects concrete measures.