13 February 2026 - "The figures published today by the Federal Statistical Office confirm the challenging state of the German economy. Sadly, we are witnessing a record number of business closures once again. In November 2025 alone, as many businesses had to shut down due to insolvency as had not been seen in over ten years.

For the entire year 2025, significantly more than 23,000 corporate insolvencies are expected – this equates to over 60 business closures per day. Behind these figures stand not only the loss of entrepreneurial passion and innovative spirit but also many lost jobs, missed investments, and weakened regions.

Preliminary trend analyses from the forthcoming DIHK economic survey indicate that the economy will continue to struggle to recover from the crisis. High labour and energy costs, excessive bureaucracy, and years of sluggish economic activity are draining liquidity in many businesses, particularly in the SME sector.

It is therefore all the more urgent that decisions across all political levels are consistently focused on growth and investment. Speeding up infrastructure and approval plans must not be allowed to stall. The announced reforms for lowering energy and labour costs must be implemented without compromise.

At the same time, immediate relief in bureaucracy and taxes must reach businesses directly. Only with bold reforms and a clear economic policy ambition can the insolvency wave be tackled and new growth facilitated."