The business community wants to support the reform process.

The summit meeting between social partners and the federal government yielded no concrete results, but a "shared understanding of reform" was reached. The skilled trades sector is particularly hopeful for a reform of the social security systems.

Representatives of the federal government met with employers and trade unions at the Chancellery in Berlin to discuss necessary reforms to generate growth and employment. The discussions focused on four key areas: the labor market, social security, reducing bureaucracy, and tax policy. Government spokesman Stefan Kornelius praised the constructive and focused atmosphere of the meeting. According to Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU), the mood was "exceptionally good."

Germany faces major challenges, the participants in the discussion agreed. "Technological change, demographic shifts, and the numerous global crises necessitate decisive action to achieve greater growth and new value creation," said Kornelius. At the same time, everyone agreed that social security systems must be reformed and bureaucratic burdens reduced. Furthermore, additional measures are needed to secure jobs and make Germany a more attractive business location. These include lowering energy costs and providing tax relief for employees.

No concrete results

No concrete steps were agreed upon, however. Jörg Dittrich, President of the German Confederation of Skilled Crafts , participated in the meeting on behalf of the skilled trades. He, too, emphasized the participants' awareness of the "need for far-reaching economic policy reforms," ​​although differing opinions still existed regarding the appropriate measures. "Germany needs more economic dynamism again. To achieve this, the competitiveness of the country as a business location and the future viability of businesses must be placed at the heart of political action," Dittrich explained. Only in this way could jobs be preserved and growth prospects created.

Particularly important for the skilled trades is the restructuring of social security systems "with a noticeable reduction in non-wage labor costs." Businesses can only invest, secure employment, and offer skilled trades services at reasonable prices if labor costs remain affordable. Dittrich: "Furthermore, relieving the burden on employees means more net income from gross income, thus increasing purchasing power. Now the coalition partners are called upon to translate their clearly defined shared understanding of reform into political decisions before the summer recess that will provide tangible relief for businesses and employees."

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Further talks are planned

Growth, competitiveness, and securing skilled workers must be the benchmarks for political action. "It is now up to the governing parties to put Germany's economy back on a successful course with bold reforms. Employees and businesses alike expect reforms that create the conditions for secure jobs and economic success, and thus for a positive future." According to Kornelius, the politicians welcome the willingness of business representatives to participate in the reform process. Further discussions are planned.

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