2024-07-09 13:17:59
The traffic light coalition has approved a growth package for the economy. This is also intended to combat the shortage of skilled workers. CDU politician Klöckner is not very keen on this.
According to the CDU/CSU opposition, the growth package planned by the traffic light coalition will not provide a sustainable boost to the German economy. “The alleged growth package is just as weak as the traffic light coalition. Petty tinkering instead of noticeable stimulus for the economy,” said Julia Klöckner, the economic policy spokeswoman for the CDU/CSU parliamentary group. Important structural reforms for greater competitiveness are missing.
The federal government’s plans to ease the burden on companies include accelerated depreciation of investments and an improved research allowance. The traffic light coalition also wants to reduce bureaucracy. Mandatory practice checks are to be introduced in all ministries. Data protection is to be streamlined in order to relieve the burden on small companies in particular. The European supply chain directive is to be quickly implemented into national law. The main aim is to reduce reporting obligations, as a German law already exists.
In addition, Klöckner criticized the planned tax incentives for immigrant skilled workers on Platform X. According to the traffic light plan, they will receive a tax rebate for the first three years of their work in Germany. “This is discrimination against domestic workers. 1st and 2nd class workers. But for everyone who works, the following must apply: more net from gross, work must be worthwhile!” writes Klöckner.
According to her press release, Klöckner is calling for a cap on non-wage labor costs, more flexible working hours and corporate tax reform to stimulate the economy. The CDU politician sees the FDP in particular as a failure. At its federal party conference, the FDP put forward a wide range of economic policy demands. “It has already faded.”
The German Federation of Trade Unions (DGB) also expressed strong criticism. “We believe that the labor policy proposals send the wrong signal overall,” explained DGB head Yasmin Fahimi. “They also do not contribute anything to the budget and in some cases send the wrong signals for the good design of the world of work. Clearer signals would have been needed to mobilize skilled workers – for more childcare and care.” The tax advantages for overtime and foreign skilled workers also contain “social flammable material,” warned Fahimi.
Ifo boss Clemens Fuest also considers the agreement to be a “step in the right direction”. “The growth package brings measures to increase the supply of jobs and to promote private investment, and public investment will also be expanded in the federal budget,” he told the “Augsburger Allgemeine”. Nevertheless, further fundamental reforms are needed, said the economist. “If politicians want more growth, we need fundamental reforms to increase the supply of jobs, more private and public investment, and more innovations and company start-ups.”