German companies are anticipating significant government support and streamlined processes following a high-profile meeting between Chancellor Friedrich Merz and leading executives, organized by the “Made for Germany” initiative. Economist Monika Schnitzer, chair of the German Council of Economic Experts, expressed this expectation in an interview with the “Rheinische Post.
Schnitzer characterized the companies’ commitment as a positive indication of their continued faith in the German economic landscape. However, she cautioned that fulfilling the potential of these commitments requires more than just verbal assurances. Businesses will be looking for concrete action from the federal government, including increased planning certainty, political backing and potentially financial assistance to facilitate their investment plans.
Highlighting the crucial role of private investment in revitalizing growth, Schnitzer emphasized that the German government relies on business investment to achieve positive economic figures. To expedite this process, she suggested the government should prioritize measures such as accelerated approval processes, reduced planning timelines and a clearly defined strategic framework – points she expects businesses will directly communicate to the Chancellor.