The CEO of Viessmann Group, Maximilian Viessmann, has issued a stark warning regarding potential shifts in German fiscal policy, raising concerns about the future viability of investment and the country’s overall economic competitiveness. Viessmann, speaking to “Handelsblatt”, cautioned against the reintroduction of a wealth tax enshrined in the Basic Law or an increase in inheritance tax, outlining potential repercussions for the company’s investment strategies.
The warning follows Viessmann Group’s recent sale of its core heating and heat pump business to US-listed Carrier, a transaction yielding billions of euros that the company intended to reinvest domestically. Viessmann emphasized that any renewed assault on accumulated wealth through taxation would force a reconsideration of this crucial reinvestment plan, undermining a key strategy for domestic growth.
Beyond the immediate fiscal implications, Viessmann expressed deep anxieties about Germany’s broader economic trajectory. He characterized a stagnant growth environment, exacerbated by ongoing geopolitical instability and the erosion of the nation’s traditional export-driven business model. Concerns about Germany’s ability to formulate a unified assessment of the country’s challenges were also highlighted, suggesting a systemic failure to address underlying issues.
While acknowledging the urgent need for Germany to regain technological relevance, Viessmann stressed that policy changes alone are insufficient. He believes a “positive narrative” is paramount, with the prevailing national sentiment proving to be a significant barrier to sustained economic vitality. He argued that bolstering digital sovereignty in critical infrastructure and defense could unlock new economic opportunities contributing to a revitalized success story for Germany; however, this requires a supportive and confidence-inspiring policy environment-one presently jeopardized by ongoing discussions about punitive wealth taxation. The statement signals a growing unease among German business leaders and highlights the precariousness of the country’s economic outlook amidst global uncertainty.