Mercedes, BMW, Siemens Pressure Merz on Reforms

Germany's largest industrial companies are stepping up pressure on Chancellor Friedrich Merz's government. Companies such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Porsche and Siemens, along with business associations, are calling on the cabinet to implement the reforms promised in the coalition agreement swiftly and without compromise, according to the Die Welt website.

In a joint letter, they point out that German companies are facing high energy prices and changing economic conditions.

According to them, the direction of social and economic policy will determine whether companies remain competitive, retain jobs and continue to invest in Germany.

The appeal is directed not only at Merz but also at Labor Minister Bärbel Bas, Economy Minister Katherina Reiche, and the leaders of the governing parties' parliamentary groups.

Among other things, businesses are calling for a permanent reduction in the social security contribution burden, which, according to the letter, has exceeded 42% and reached a record high. They also criticize the raising of the income thresholds used to calculate these contributions.

(mja)