Steffen Kampeter, the chief executive of the Federation of German Employers’ Associations (BDA), addressed the current economic challenges in Germany, voicing a series of demands and criticisms regarding labor commitment, corporate costs, and government policy.
Speaking during the “Blome und Pfeffer” program on Monday, Kampeter emphasized the need for workers to show greater dedication and enthusiasm, stating that a renewed passion for work was necessary-a sentiment he insisted was unrelated to laziness. He criticized Germany for becoming overly reliant on the reforms introduced by Hartz IV and noted that the prevalent belief in Germany’s superior competitiveness within Europe is incorrect.
Kampeter also highlighted significant pressures on businesses, particularly concerning operational costs. He pointed out that Germany remains one of the most expensive locations in Europe due to high energy costs, substantial bureaucratic overhead, and elevated labor costs. While admitting that excellent products can help sustain these expenses, he added that even the auto industry demonstrated that other countries are capable of building quality vehicles.
Furthermore, Kampeter directed sharp criticism at the federal government. Despite continuous talk of implementing reforms, he stressed that what was most lacking was actual government action. He argued that the political sphere must take steps to establish better fundamental conditions. In his view, businesses are confined to offering good products and services, and the responsibility for creating a favorable overall climate-including tax and legal frameworks-belongs entirely to the federal government.
