Olaf Demuth, the designated president of the German construction industry’s main association, criticized the federal government for insufficient progress in utilizing the dedicated infrastructure special fund.Speaking to RTL and ntv on Thursday, Demuth stated that while members of the industry cannot currently feel the impact of the special fund, the situation for the German armed forces (Bundeswehr) is proceeding significantly faster.He noted that the military sector demonstrates successful procedures, allowing them to scrap entire procurement plans and quickly advance work on harbors, airports, and barracks through streamlined measures.However, Demuth emphasized that in other areas-specifically infrastructure, bridges, roads, railways, and water harbors-the benefits of the funding have yet to be noticeable.He attributed this sluggish performance to a failure to implement necessary reforms regarding permitting processes and bureaucratic streamlining, criticizing that these areas have not been properly simplified or de-bureaucratized.Furthermore, he pointed out that even announced acceleration laws have not yet been effectively put into practice.Consequently, the construction head called for immediate action from politicians, asserting that the pace is far too slow.Although laws such as the Infrastructure Future Act and the Procurement Acceleration Act are necessary steps, Demuth urged that these initiatives need to be visible on construction sites rather than enduring endless debate within the parliament.
German Construction Head Slams Government Over Slow Infrastructure Fund Progress
