Germany’s Ruling Coalition Urged to Act Swiftly Amid Fears of Economic Downturn
The head of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) parliamentary faction, Jens Spahn, has called for swift decisions from the black-red coalition government in the face of a bleak economic forecast. In an interview with the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, Spahn emphasized the significance of the task at hand, stating, “The expert report describes once again the magnitude of the challenge before us. We must now turn the corner.”
Spahn emphasized the need for a rapid decrease in energy costs, saying, “By the summer, we should have planning security, with a reduction in the electricity tax and network fees. This is to take effect from January.” He also hinted at the possibility of further investment incentives, stating, “The possibility of a 30 percent write-off for investments should be passed by the Bundestag and Bundesrat before the summer.”
In addition, the CDU politician called for a significant reduction in bureaucracy this year, citing specific examples, including the abolition of the “Bon” (a type of expense account), the reduction of reporting obligations, the repeal of the Supply Chain Act and the flexibility of working hours. Spahn stated, “The parliament is eager to accept corresponding legislative packages from now on, so they can be passed before the summer.