Rainer Dulger, the president of the Federation of German Employers’ Associations (BDA), is urgently calling for significant reform decisions to be made within the next four weeks, according to a report by “Bild” following meetings with coalition leaders and trade unions.
Dulger stated to the newspaper that while all parties acknowledge their willingness to reform, these intentions must translate into concrete actions. He likened the current situation to the group stages of the World Cup, emphasizing that the necessary reforms must be established before the mid-July final. He stressed that the economy requires a breakthrough before the summer recess.
He pointed to mass discontent among the business community toward the federal government, noting that statistics show Germany is losing good jobs every week-a trend the governing parties can no longer ignore and must reverse. However, Dulger also mentioned that businesses possess the capability to turn the tide themselves, citing innovative business models, skilled professionals, and diligent employees, provided the political framework allows them to operate freely.
Further data highlighted by “Bild”, referring to a Forsa poll commissioned by the BDA, reveals deep pessimism. Currently, 60% of company CEOs fear that the economic situation will worsen in the second half of 2026. This pessimism is growing; just at the end of November, only 51% expected a decline. On a related note, 94% of entrepreneurs believe that the current government coalition (Schwarz-Rot) is not doing enough to improve the situation.
When asked about the primary barriers to an economic recovery, 85% of firms cited excessive bureaucracy. Additionally, 76% named uncertainty regarding political reforms for the economy and the social state, while 72% complained about high labor costs.
