A growing chorus of German business leaders is publicly voicing deep concerns and criticisms of the current government’s economic policies, raising questions about the coalition’s viability and its ability to foster growth. Jürgen Heraeus, the billionaire founder of the Heraeus Group, delivered particularly stark pronouncements, stating he sees “no impetus for the economy” coming from the CDU/SPD coalition. He argued that a minority government constitutes the sole viable solution, contending that the SPD has lost significant political power and needs to be constantly reminded of its weakened position.
Heraeus’s remarks mirror a wider trend of discontent among Germany’s business elite. Christian Hartel, CEO of chemical giant Wacker, expressed frustration over unfulfilled promises, while Thomas Hoppe, national chairman of the Young Entrepreneurs organization, sharply criticized the government’s habit of overpromising and under-delivering. Marie-Christine Ostermann, head of Rullko and president of the Family Businesses Association, characterized the government’s approach as “business-unfriendly.
According to Roland Berger, founder of the Roland Berger consultancy, approximately two-thirds of German businesses are dissatisfied with current economic policy, a sentiment particularly pronounced within the Mittelstand (small and medium-sized enterprises), family-owned businesses and a significant portion of large corporations. Berger highlighted a growing sense of “hopelessness” fueled by the failure to enact promised reforms.
Former BDI (Federation of German Industries) president Siegfried Russwurm echoed this sentiment, observing a palpable “skepticism” within the industrial sector regarding the government’s willingness to implement genuine change. The escalating criticism places considerable pressure on Chancellor Friedrich Merz and his coalition, prompting questions about the government’s ability to regain the confidence of Germany’s crucial business community and address the escalating concerns regarding economic stagnation. The upcoming months are likely to be pivotal in determining the long-term stability and direction of German economic policy.
