Rhineland-Palatinate’s Minister President Alexander Schweitzer has issued a stark warning to the German federal government, urging a renewed and forceful commitment to stimulating the nation’s economy by 2026. Speaking to Funke-Mediengruppe newspapers, Schweitzer voiced considerable concern over the increasingly bleak economic outlook, a sentiment shared by workers and business owners alike.
Initial hopes for an economic recovery in 2026 have demonstrably faded, raising anxieties about Germany’s long-term competitiveness. Schweitzer’s criticism was particularly directed at Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Catherine Reiche (CDU), accusing her of prioritizing personal opinions regarding pension reform over tangible action to support critical German industries. He asserted that Reiche’s focus appears diverted from key sectors like chemicals, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, automotive and steel – industries he deems essential for maintaining Germany’s prosperity.
“The Federal Minister for Economic Affairs has a great deal to do” Schweitzer stated, “yet I consistently hear her personal views on retirement, while witnessing a worrying lack of engagement with the fundamental pillars of our economy.
Schweitzer is advocating for the implementation of a modernization agenda, previously agreed upon by state premiers and Chancellor Merz, focusing on drastic bureaucratic reduction and streamlined administrative processes. This includes accelerated digitalization of public services and expedited approval processes for construction projects to effectively leverage funding from the federal government’s infrastructure special fund. He emphasized that decisive action on these fronts is crucial for progress.
Beyond specific policy areas, Schweitzer stressed the need for decisive cooperation within the ruling coalition. “The coalition must ensure majorities are formed and avoid being sidetracked by unnecessary debates” he cautioned. His most pointed remark, however, was a clear plea for stability: “It is vitally important that Black-Red [referring to the CDU/CSU and SPD coalition] does not become a coalition of conflict”. The warning suggests mounting internal tensions and a desire to prevent policy gridlock as Germany grapples with slowing growth and global economic headwinds. The pressure is now on the federal government to respond to Schweitzer’s concerns and demonstrate a unified, proactive approach to safeguarding Germany’s economic future.