Bundeswirtschaftsministerin Katharina Reiche (CDU) is planning to introduce a range of measures to revitalize the stagnant German economy. In an interview with RTL/ntv, Reiche stated that she plans to set targeted investment incentives, reduce energy prices and carry out extensive bureaucratic reforms.
Reiche emphasized the need for a significant increase in investments, stating, “We must trigger the investment boost and this means significantly more depreciation for the German economy and a reform of the corporate tax.” She also called for a review of the gas storage levy, warning that energy prices have reached a level that forces not only energy-intensive industries to leave the country.
The first step towards economic relief is already underway and Reiche hopes to present the first relief package by mid-July, during the summer break. She highlighted the urgency of addressing the issue of gas-fired power plants and promised to quickly coordinate with the EU Commission.
Reiche also stressed the importance of foreign trade policy, stating that growing global trade conflicts are concerning. She emphasized that “tariffs and trade wars benefit no one. High tariffs hinder both sides.” She plans to engage in talks with the EU Commission and the United States to develop a new free trade agenda. Reiche called for the swift implementation of free trade agreements with Mercosur and Mexico.
In response to criticism that she comes from the energy sector and may lack political experience, Reiche remained calm. She stated, “What is worth understanding has rarely caused harm” and added that she has learned a lot from both politics and the economy.
Improving communication between the state and the economy is a central concern for Reiche. She believes that it is not good when politics is suspicious of the economy and when the economy looks down upon politics with a certain arrogance. Good politics requires trust and dialogue. “The state cannot invest everything; the economy must invest” Reiche asserted.