A promised economic shift championed by Chancellor Friedrich Merz has, according to representatives of Germany’s skilled trades, yet to materialize.
Jörg Dittrich, President of the Central Association of German Craftsmen (ZDH), stated in an interview published Monday that while data suggests a slight increase in optimism, he would characterize the prevailing sentiment as “hope” rather than genuine confidence. He further asserted that the government’s recently approved economic stimulus package has largely bypassed the needs of the craftsman sector.
A key point of criticism centers on the delayed implementation of a promised reduction in electricity tax, which Dittrich claims is eroding trust and generating considerable frustration within the trades. “There’s anger among many people and I’m receiving numerous calls about this” he stated.
Addressing the potential political ramifications of this dissatisfaction, Dittrich acknowledged a likely correlation between growing support for the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party and sentiment within the craftsman community. While lacking specific data, he argued it would be unrealistic to assume the trades are immune to broader political trends. He highlighted particularly strong anger within rural areas, where concerns regarding the provision of essential public services – including schools, childcare facilities and public transportation – are escalating. Dittrich stressed the need for renewed focus on maintaining and improving these vital services to address the underlying concerns.
