Employers are losing patience with the black‑red government and are urging Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) to promptly deliver a comprehensive reform package that includes tax cuts, lower social spending, and a reduction in bureaucracy.
The president of the Federation of German Employers’ Associations (BDA), Rainer Dulger, told “Bild” that “the federal government must finally bring a reform agenda to the table that deserves the name”. He added that Germany will remain strong only if people “roll up their sleeves now”. “In case of doubt, the chancellor must lead-just as Gerhard Schröder did during the agenda reforms” he said.
Specifically, Dulger demanded less bureaucracy, a more efficient social state, and “more net from gross”. He warned that Germany urgently needs decisions; otherwise the country will continue to lose momentum. “It’s already five after twelve” he warned. The BDA president also cautioned the SPD against raising taxes, arguing that “effective job‑creating measures are needed, not sham solutions such as more debt or tax hikes”.