Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger (CDU) has urged the nation to brace itself for a major wave of job losses caused by artificial intelligence. “The era in which industry was a job‑making machine is ending” he told the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung” (Saturday edition). “I appeal to all groups-employers, trade unions and civil society-to come together and reshape the future”.
Wildberger explained that when AI takes positions from programmers, mathematicians and many others, those workers need new, meaningful work. “The worst reaction would be to reject AI outright, but that is impossible. We must do everything we can to reap societal benefits from AI” he said.
He emphasized that success is achievable if Germany becomes a leading user of AI technology, which would drive substantial growth and, in turn, generate higher tax receipts that could help rebuild the labor market. “Higher tax revenue is essential so we can invest in reshaping employment” Wildberger added.
The minister also mentioned a universal basic income as part of the solution for labor‑market disruptions, while reminding that people need purposeful activity. “People can’t simply stay at home watching videos endlessly without going mad” he cautioned.
Wildberger warned that it is not too late. “The Chinese have shown how fast a country can catch up and even surpass others. We are awake now; we must pull together and prevent the nation from falling behind. Otherwise we risk waking up in a nightmare”.
He acknowledged the legitimate fears many have about job security, their children’s futures, and society’s trajectory. “Politics can set the framework, but it cannot take away the responsibility of individuals to take control of their own fate, to seek and seize opportunities” he said.
