Construction industry in Rhineland-Palatinate: "If things are going well in construction, everything else will follow."

The construction industry in Rhineland-Palatinate is calling on the new state government and the federal government to make bold investment decisions. "Those who don't build today will jeopardize tomorrow's prosperity," said President Klaus Rohletter.

"Those who don't build today will jeopardize tomorrow's prosperity." With this appeal, Klaus Rohletter, President of the Rhineland-Palatinate Construction Industry Association, opened the association's annual meeting in Mainz. The sector is facing a challenging economic situation, Rohletter stated. "Declining construction investment, a noticeably reduced demand, and sharply increased energy and material costs are putting companies under increasing pressure."

Despite the recent state elections, the construction industry in Rhineland-Palatinate is looking ahead. The association stated that the state elections mark a turning point, bringing not only expectations but, above all, responsibility. "We need to get to work ," emphasized the president, Klaus Rohletter, CEO of the construction company Albert Weil AG.

"Funds from the special fund misappropriated"

This includes using public funds effectively and in a targeted manner. With regard to the special fund, significant criticism was also voiced: at the federal level, a considerable portion of the funds had not been used for investments in the past, but rather misappropriated. "This practice has severely damaged trust."Use of the special fund➡️ The youngest ifo analysis had shown that by 2025 at least three-quarters of the loans taken out were being used for purposes other than their intended use. 
Rhineland-Palatinate must "set a clear counterpoint" here and "consistently use the funds for infrastructure and future investments." The construction sector traditionally sees itself as Economic engine – a role he intends to continue fulfilling. "If things are going well on the construction site, everything else will follow," said the president.

New orders pick up. According to the Federal Statistical Office, the construction industry nationwide recorded a weather-related real decline in revenue of 13,2 percent in February 2026 compared to February 2025. Frost and precipitation hampered work. However, new orders in February also rose by almost ten percent. Current growth drivers are civil engineering (21,2 percent nominally) and commercial construction (19,3 percent nominally).

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The companies are ready to do their part. Looking ahead to the coming months and the constitution of the new state parliament, the construction industry is making it clear: now is the time for bold decisions. "Construction is ready," was the message from the president.

The Rhineland-Palatinate construction industry, as an economic organization, represents the interests of over 1.200 companies.

Speakers at the Day of the Construction Industry also included Finance Minister Doris Ahnen and Wolfgang Bosbach, former member of the Bundestag.

Source: Construction industry Rhineland-Palatinate

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