Economic warning day: Associations send SOS to politicians!

Next Wednesday, January 28th, around 100 associations and initiatives are planning a demonstration in front of the Brandenburg Gate, which is referred to as “Economic Warning Day”. This action is taking place in an environment in which numerous business associations, including the Federal Association of Wholesale, Foreign Trade and Services (BGA) and the Federal Association of Liberal Professions, are expressing their solidarity with the demonstrators. The organizers describe the demonstration as an “SOS” from business to politicians to draw attention to urgent problems.

The demonstrators' demands are diverse and include, among other things, a reduced burden of bureaucracy, a reduction in taxes and lower energy costs. There are also calls for more flexible labor law, as well as measures to combat rising social security contributions. These concerns reflect the acute concerns of the economy, which is expecting reforms and support from politicians in the current situation.

Demands of business representatives

Leading German business associations have also called on the future federal government to change course in economic policy. Dirk Jandura, President of the BGA, emphasizes the urgency of reforms to promote growth, especially in medium-sized businesses. He speaks out against subsidies and calls for a reduction in corporate tax and the complete abolition of the solidarity surcharge. In addition, Jandura is calling for the abolition of the German supply chain law until a uniform European regulation is introduced.

Peter Adrian, President of the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK), agrees with the demands and advocates a clear growth path for Germany. He also calls for a reform of procurement law to simplify infrastructure services, cheaper electricity prices and a reform of corporate tax. The Central Association of German Crafts (ZDH) also supports the concerns and emphasizes the importance of reducing bureaucracy and lower energy costs. In addition, the ZDH emphasizes the need for a reliable energy supply and strengthening vocational training to ensure skilled workers. The digital association Bitkom, in turn, calls for digitalization to reduce bureaucracy and proposes the creation of a real digital minister in the next federal government. The aim should be to make Germany a global leader in the areas of digital medicine, smart mobility and IT security.