The German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) is publicly pushing for new economic relief measures ahead of the coalition leaders’ meeting scheduled for Tuesday. According to Helena Melnikov, the Chamber’s Chief Executive, timely and reliable decisions are crucial.
Melnikov specifically urged that the already planned corporate tax reductions be brought forward to January 1, 2027, and concentrated into two distinct phases. She argued that this advance would provide businesses with “concrete relief and planning security” within the current legislative period. Currently, the government plans to lower the corporate tax (paid on profits) starting only in 2028, reducing the rate from 15 percent to 10 percent in five steps.
Furthermore, Melnikov advised against imposing new financial “burdens” on high-income earners as part of the planned income tax reform. She pointed out that the coalition agreement aims to benefit small and medium-sized earners, and this relief must not be undermined by increased taxes on higher incomes, which she warned would harm “the breadth of the middle class” and thus affect many employees.
Another key demand is the lowering of the electricity tax for all consumers. As this is stipulated to be a federal tax, the affected states would be exempt. She suggested that the resulting tax shortfall could be funded through the Climate and Transformation Fund (KTF), thereby avoiding any burden on the federal budget. According to Melnikov, cheaper electricity would boost competitiveness while also serving as an effective contribution to climate protection.
Beyond the immediate crisis, the DIHK believes that the discussion must focus permanently on jobs, investment, and overall prosperity. Melnikov outlined that Germany cannot afford to lose ground in international competition, emphasizing that rapid reform, particularly for businesses, is essential to securing employment and strengthening the economic standing. She concluded that given the cumulative pressures of the geopolitical situation and deep-rooted structural problems, the government coalition cannot afford any delay.