Friedrich Merz must become chancellor of a new upswing

Employer President Dr. Rainer Dulger on the start of the black-red coalition:

Friedrich Merz must become chancellor of a new upswing

Berlin, May 6, 2025: "We congratulate Friedrich Merz. We personally wish him every success as Federal Chancellor, so that things can get back on track in Germany. Friedrich Merz must become the chancellor of a new upswing.

The first outlines of his government's work are recognizable and make us optimistic. With Katherina Reiche, Karsten Wildberger and Verena Hubertz, more entrepreneurial thinking is entering the cabinet. We need this breath of fresh air and a change of perspective for a more ambitious and realistic policy.

This government is facing historic decisions. Germany and Europe are under massive geopolitical and economic pressure. On closer inspection, Merz faces no less challenges than Konrad Adenauer and Helmut Kohl.

It is now important to act boldly and quickly. This applies to both governing parties. With Willy Brandt's Ostpolitik and Gerhard Schröder's Agenda reforms, the Social Democrats have proven that they can also be courageous.

Every political measure must be geared towards growth and reducing bureaucracy. This is the only way Germany will be able to work its way out of the recession. Friedrich Merz recently announced welfare state reforms. We are relying on this - and are available as social partners for cost-cutting reforms. The social security systems need a fundamental overhaul. The welfare state must become efficient and effective again, social security contributions must be capped at 40 percent and work must be made worthwhile again. Germany needs an Agenda 2030.

The state should carry out its core tasks well and efficiently - and otherwise allow companies and citizens more freedom. The dirigisme of the traffic lights must come to an end."