Economist Gabriel Felbermayr recently told the broadcasters RTL and ntv that he sees significant deficits in how the federal government handles economic expertise. He stated that he does not feel the government is sufficiently listening to economic advice.
While Felbermayr acknowledged that there are isolated positive signals-pointing specifically to economic policy speeches and pronouncements from the government-he stressed that the overall issue is a failure in consistent implementation. According to the economist, “What frustrates us is that these realizations have no consequences”. He notes that although the need for reform is recognized, it often remains politically inert. “The need for reform is enormous. But nothing happens” he remarked.
From his perspective, the most problematic aspect is the general lack of economic policy direction. Felbermayr emphasized that companies require clear and stable frameworks to restart investment. He is currently a member of the Expert Council for Assessing Overall Economic Development, which regularly advises the federal government, and this advisory role informs his critique.