Germany’s Mittelstand Demands Concrete Reform Plan from Merz Coalition
Calls for Clear Economic Reforms from the German Government
By Maria Martinez
The Need for a Clear Reform Plan
BERLIN, June 10 (Reuters) - Germany's small and medium-sized companies, traditional backbone of the economy, need a clear reform plan from Chancellor Friedrich Merz's government to restore confidence and give them certainty, Marc Tenbieg, managing director of their trade body, told Reuters.
Expectations from Political Leadership
"That is what I expect in politics: a clear plan that is explained," said Marc Tenbieg, managing director of the German Mittelstand association (DMB). "You have to say: this is our plan, this is what we intend to do, it will not be easy — but afterwards it will be better."
Upcoming Coalition Meeting and Business Demands
Focus on Red Tape and Timetable for Reforms
Leaders of Merz's coalition are due to meet business and trade union representatives at the Chancellery on Wednesday to discuss reforms in areas such as cutting red tape. Business groups were pressing ahead of the meeting for a concrete timetable.
Disappointment Among Companies
"I have rarely seen companies so disappointed, because they have been waiting so long for solutions," Tenbieg told Reuters in an interview ahead of the meeting. "People are ready for reform. The public wants it — but the government is not doing it."
Survey Results: Key Risks for Mittelstand
A DMB survey showed that 65.0% of small and medium-sized companies rated bureaucracy as a high risk, followed by energy prices at 62.9%, and sustainability and regulatory requirements at 57.1%.
(Reporting by Maria Martinez; Editing by David Holmes)
