The German government is poised to unveil a sweeping package of deregulation measures this Wednesday, aiming to alleviate bureaucratic burdens on citizens, businesses and public administration. According to sources within the Digital and State Modernization Ministry, nearly 200 proposals have been submitted by various ministries, signaling a broad-ranging effort to streamline processes.
While lauded as a modernization initiative, critics are already questioning the substance and potential consequences of the planned reforms. Roughly 20 of the submitted proposals are expected to be translated into concrete legislative drafts, with around eight slated for approval during the special “Relief Cabinet” meeting. A key element of this initial tranche is an easing of regulations surrounding skilled worker immigration, intended to address persistent labor shortages.
Labour Minister, Bärbel Bas (SPD), championed the initiative in comments to the Handelsblatt, stating the need for a “modern, efficient and digital” labour and social administration. She is expected to present multiple proposals relating to reducing bureaucratic obstacles in occupational safety, alongside further modernization and digitization of labor administration processes.
One particularly controversial proposal would eliminate the requirement for smaller businesses (fewer than 50 employees) to appoint a safety officer. Larger companies, employing up to 250 individuals, would be allowed to restrict themselves to a single safety officer. Currently, companies with over 20 employees are mandated to have one. Opponents argue this could compromise worker safety and create a race to the bottom in risk management, particularly in industries with a history of occupational hazards.
The government is also introducing a digital agency dedicated to facilitating skilled worker immigration, dubbed a “Work and Stay Agency”. While presented as a flagship project of the modernization agenda, the agency’s effectiveness and accessibility remain uncertain, raising concerns about potential digital divides and the exclusion of less digitally literate applicants.
The Labour Ministry estimates its proposed measures alone will yield cost savings for the German economy of almost €200 million annually. However, analysts caution that these savings must be weighed against the potential social and economic impacts of reduced oversight and increased administrative simplification, particularly concerning workplace safety and the integration of skilled immigrants. The long-term ramifications of these reforms are likely to be debated intensely in the coming weeks and months, demanding rigorous scrutiny and independent evaluation to ensure they genuinely serve the public good.
