German Industry Federation President Optimistic about Current Government
The President of the German Industry Federation, Peter Leibinger, has expressed a positive view of the current coalition government. In an interview with the Frankfurt Sunday Newspaper, Leibinger praised the government’s initial steps, stating that it is addressing the right issues, such as tax relief and bureaucratic simplification. The government, he said, has recognized that by openly addressing problems and working together, it can create trust and send a signal that it understands the concerns of the people.
Initially, Leibinger had been skeptical about the country’s economic outlook for the year, but now he sees a silver lining and is increasingly optimistic that a mood shift can be achieved.
In addition to his praise, Leibinger made concrete demands on the government. To strengthen the resilience of the economy, he emphasized the need for a fair solution between businesses and the state. He recalled the post-war state food reserve and suggested a similar approach for essential goods, such as oil and gas and potentially for other crucial products as well.
Furthermore, Leibinger called for targeted support for strategically important industries. He urged the government to collaborate with science and industry to create a list of seven to ten key areas in which Germany has a competitive edge. These areas, he said, would be strategically relevant and in which Germany could successfully compete, such as artificial intelligence in automation technology, but not digital services for private consumers.