ZVSHK calls for a change of economic policy

The results of the German government's economic policies are sobering, says ZVSHK President Michael Hilpert. He calls for bold reforms. 2026 must be the year of implementation.

The Central Association of Sanitation, Heating and Air Conditioning The German Association for Sanitary, Heating and Air Conditioning (ZVSHK) looks back on the past year with skepticism. From the perspective of the skilled trades, it was largely a lost year with a sobering economic policy assessment. Federal government“Structural problems have not been tackled decisively. Instead of an economic policy breakthrough, we are experiencing stagnation, uncertainty, and a policy that is squandering trust. Germany is increasingly suffering from a lack of motivation. Performance incentives have been weakened, labor has become more expensive, and responsibility has been delegated,” explains ZVSHK President Michael Hilpert.

Michael Hilpert Photo: © info@uniqueandwild.de

"At the same time, government demands are increasing, while investment, productivity, and competitiveness are declining. Performance is becoming less and less worthwhile – with noticeable consequences for businesses and employees. Added to this is an economic policy that hinders rather than promotes entrepreneurial activity. High energy prices, oppressive bureaucracy, and ever-increasing regulations are placing a massive burden on businesses." The plumbing, heating, and air conditioning (PHVAC) sector is particularly affected. These companies are expected to implement the energy transition in practice, but are being hampered by the ongoing debate surrounding the heating law, additional bureaucracy, and ever-new detailed requirements.

Trust in craftsmanship or further stagnation

Hilpert: "This combination is unsustainable. Uncertainty is the biggest investment killer. It's particularly disconcerting that, despite changing political majorities, a genuine shift in economic policy has yet to materialize. Instead of bold reforms, we're seeing familiar patterns: more regulation, more control, more government directives." For the skilled trades, it's not crucial which political camp these ideas originate from, but rather their impact. "And that impact is negative," Hilpert stated. Germany is losing competitiveness because political decisions too often ignore practical realities.

This is particularly evident in the building sector: "It's not technology, craftsmanship, or subsidies that drive up costs, but bureaucracy. As long as this fact is ignored, investments will remain elusive." The plumbing, heating, and air conditioning (PHVAC) trade stands for performance, quality, and reliability. "We are implementing the energy transition and advocating for consumers. But in return, we expect an economic policy that demands performance, reduces bureaucracy, and creates reliability. Germany doesn't need another year of hesitation. 2026 must be the year of implementation. Politicians must decide: trust in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and skilled trades, or further stagnation."

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