The pro-CDU interest group, the CDU Economic Council (Wirtschaftsrat der CDU), is urging Federal Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger (CDU) to accelerate the process of state modernization. According to a position paper, which was reported by the “Rheinische Post” (Tuesday edition), the group stressed that reforms must move beyond mere discussion and into active implementation. A “determined state modernization” is necessary, one that realigns administration, regulations, and decision-making processes.
The Economic Council argues that only an efficient, clear, digitally networked, and service-oriented state can secure Germany’s competitive position in the market and fulfil the promises of the social market economy within a digitalized world. They recommended that the state consistently question its tasks and expenditure, thereby concentrating only on central core functions such as the rule of law, education, and digital sovereignty. Furthermore, administrative processes must be conceived from the perspective of real-life experiences endured by both citizens and businesses.
Wolfgang Steiger, the Economic Council’s General Secretary, speaking to the newspaper, stated that sufficient knowledge and suggestions regarding state modernization are available, and the issues themselves are clearly defined. He emphasized that the crucial step now is finally moving into concrete implementation, consistently simplifying and digitizing the administration. He concluded that this approach is the only way for the state to regain its capacity to act, which is the foundation for both prosperity and competitiveness.
This position paper is scheduled to be presented on Tuesday during the association’s “Economic Day” to Philipp Amthor (CDU), the Parliamentary State Secretary in the Ministry for Digital.
