Given the slowing growth and declining investments, Marie-Christine Ostermann, president of the “Die Familienunternehmer” association, called on Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) to take more decisive action against the economic downturn. Ostermann told the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung” (NOZ) that she expects him to lead more effectively and to assert himself toward his coalition partner. The businesswoman noted that while the Chancellor understands the economy, she questions what the current government intends to achieve. Furthermore, she demanded structural reforms. Ostermann stated that additional labor costs are a critical factor for companies, pointing out that while they are currently exploding towards 45%, they need to decrease back towards 40%. To achieve this, she suggested measures such as linking the retirement age to life expectancy and abolishing early retirement options. Additionally, the businesswoman called for relief regarding costs for energy and social security, as well as reducing taxes and bureaucratic burdens. Specifically, Ostermann suggested that the top tax bracket should only apply starting from an income of 100,000 Euros.
Family Business Leader Demands Merz Show Stronger Leadership Against Economic Slump
