24.04.2025 - "The situation of the German economy is serious. If the new federal government does not act decisively and swiftly, we risk a third consecutive recession year. The erratic tariff announcements by US President Trump already have disastrous effects on global trade and thus on a large part of the German economy. Although a three-month tariff pause provides a temporary breather, we are already seeing a substantial additional burden on export-oriented German companies. It is therefore even more important that the future federal government steps on the accelerator and, above all, finds solutions to the tariff dispute with the USA at the EU level. The coalition agreement offers some good approaches to strengthen the local economic location, such as the announced extensive reduction of bureaucracy, acceleration of planning and approval procedures, reduction of electricity prices, tax incentives through accelerated depreciation, or faster repair and expansion of infrastructure. Whether these measures can lead to a trend reversal will depend on how consistently the new government implements its announcements. Unfortunately, sustainable approaches to limit the explosion of costs and contributions in the social security systems are not foreseen. Time is pressing. The federal government should send clear signals for more entrepreneurial freedom before the summer break and set the course for growth."