What did Siemens CEO Roland Busch emphasize after the election?

Siemens CEO Roland Busch stated that further discussions are unnecessary, and the focus should be on implementation of known problems, as the world is not waiting for Germany.

What are E.ON's expectations from the new government?

E.ON CEO Leonhard Birnbaum expects the new government to take decisive steps to enhance competitiveness and productivity, along with investments in education, innovation, and infrastructure.

What does the VDMA expect from the new government?

The VDMA expects the new government to implement decisive measures for a strong economy, demonstrate openness to technology, and foster close cooperation within Europe.

What urgent needs did Deutsche Bank's Christian Sewing highlight?

Christian Sewing emphasized the need for a government that can act quickly and effectively, as the economy requires a fresh start with fundamental reforms to address enormous challenges.

What is the automotive industry's stance on the election outcome?

The German Automotive Industry Association (VDA) stressed the necessity for a stable government as soon as possible, highlighting the importance of a unified German voice in Europe and necessary reforms.

Editorial & Advertiser disclosure

Global Banking & Finance Review® is an online platform offering news, analysis, and opinion on the latest trends, developments, and innovations in the banking and finance industry worldwide. The platform covers a diverse range of topics, including banking, insurance, investment, wealth management, fintech, and regulatory issues. The website publishes news, press releases, opinion and advertorials on various financial organizations, products and services which are commissioned from various Companies, Organizations, PR agencies, Bloggers etc. These commissioned articles are commercial in nature. This is not to be considered as financial advice and should be considered only for information purposes. It does not reflect the views or opinion of our website and is not to be considered an endorsement or a recommendation. We cannot guarantee the accuracy or applicability of any information provided with respect to your individual or personal circumstances. Please seek Professional advice from a qualified professional before making any financial decisions. We link to various third-party websites, affiliate sales networks, and to our advertising partners websites. When you view or click on certain links available on our articles, our partners may compensate us for displaying the content to you or make a purchase or fill a form. This will not incur any additional charges to you. To make things simpler for you to identity or distinguish advertised or sponsored articles or links, you may consider all articles or links hosted on our site as a commercial article placement. We will not be responsible for any loss you may suffer as a result of any omission or inaccuracy on the website.

Home > Headlines > German business leaders respond to election outcome

Headlines

German business leaders respond to election outcome

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®

Posted on February 24, 2025

3 min read

Last updated: January 26, 2026

German business leaders discuss election outcomes impacting competitiveness - Global Banking & Finance Review — Image illustrating prominent German business leaders reacting to the election outcome, emphasizing calls for competitiveness and decisive government action in Germany's economy.

German business leaders respond to election outcome

FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Germany's conservative CDU/CSU bloc won most votes in Sunday's national election and could form a government with the Social Democrats (SPD), allaying market fears that Europe's top economy can only be ruled by another three-way coalition.

Here are reactions from German business leaders:

SIEMENS CEO ROLAND BUSCH

"We don't need any further discussions, the problems are well known - we need implementation now. Because the rest of the world is not waiting for us - and the pressure to act in Germany, particularly with regard to competitiveness, is enormous."

E.ON CEO LEONHARD BIRNBAUM

"We expect the future German government to take decisive steps to increase competitiveness and productivity in Germany and to invest in education, innovation and infrastructure. The turnaround also presents opportunities: for example, we must finally unleash AI and digitalization in order to significantly increase productivity in business and administration."

GERMAN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING ASSOCIATION VDMA:

"The VDMA expects the new government to take decisive measures for a strong economy, show an openness to technology and have close European cooperation."

SIEMENS ENERGY CEO CHRISTIAN BRUCH:

"Germany must swiftly regain its competitiveness. Actions in energy policy are crucial for this. The expansion of gas-fired power plants, the strengthening of wind energy, and the modernization of electricity grids are essential, as is a secure supply of raw materials. It is important that the democratic centrist parties form a stable government as quickly as possible to address these challenges promptly."

DEUTSCHE BANK CEO AND PRESIDENT OF THE ASSOCIATION OF GERMAN BANKS CHRISTIAN SEWING:

"Germany now needs a government that is able and willing to act - and quickly. The challenges facing our country are enormous: the economy urgently needs a fresh start with fundamental reforms. Growth and competitiveness must be the focus of the next legislative period so that Germany remains an attractive location for companies and investors alike."

GERMAN AUTO INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION VDA:

"Germany now needs a stable government as quickly as possible... A strong, unified German voice in Europe is imperative, as are reforms in Germany. The German automotive industry is determined to continue to successfully serve the global market from Germany - this requires a comprehensive agenda for its competitiveness. Companies as a whole, and in particular the backbone of our prosperity - the industrial SME sector - can no longer bear the high energy prices, excessive bureaucracy, taxes and levies."

BDI INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT PETER LEIBINGER:

"Now is the time for a real new start: clear structural reforms and resolute decisions for more growth and security. We need effective short-term relief signals through less bureaucracy and simpler approval procedures. In the medium term, we need a bold strategic plan that relieves companies of bureaucracy and taxes and unleashes innovation and growth through more freedom, instead of state micromanagement. Everything that creates growth and security must take centre stage."

(Compiled by Christoph Steitz, Tom Sims, Victoria Waldersee, Rene Wagner, Alexander Huebner and Tom Kaeckenhoff; Editing by Ros Russell)

German business leaders respond to election outcome

Quick Summary

German business leaders respond to election outcome

Key Takeaways

Frequently Asked Questions about German business leaders respond to election outcome