So gefährdet ist Deutschlands Wirtschaft wirklich | Berlin direkt

ZDFheute Nachrichten

17 Sept 202408:39

Summary

TLDRThe transcript discusses the challenges facing Germany's major industries, including Volkswagen and BASF, as they struggle with economic crises. The crisis is affecting the Mittelstand and supply chains, while political reforms seem insufficient. High energy prices, bureaucracy, and poor competitiveness are key concerns. Industry leaders argue for drastic policy changes, warning that 20% of Germany’s industry could be at risk if no action is taken. The coalition government is divided, with different parties offering conflicting solutions. A societal and political consensus is needed to maintain Germany's global industrial competitiveness.

Takeaways

📉 Many iconic German companies like Volkswagen, Miele, and BASF are struggling, closing factories or laying off workers due to the current economic crisis.
🔗 The crisis is also severely impacting suppliers and the broader middle-class sector of Germany's economy.
⚠️ Experts warn that neither the political leadership nor society fully understands the seriousness of the situation.
💼 Germany's competitive position has deteriorated significantly, falling from 6th to 24th in global competitiveness rankings over the last decade.
🚨 The economic debate highlights differing views within the governing coalition, with the SPD favoring subsidies, the Greens promoting green technologies, and the FDP pushing for debt relief and lower taxes.
🔋 Energy-intensive industries in Germany are facing sharp declines in production, further complicating the green transformation.
🏗️ Many in the industrial sector criticize the current government's growth policies as insufficient, describing them as 'a drop in the bucket' amidst much larger challenges.
🌍 Calls are increasing for a political and societal consensus to keep Germany's industry globally competitive, beyond short-term electoral cycles.
⚡ High energy costs, excessive bureaucracy, and unclear future energy policies are seen as key hurdles for businesses to invest in Germany's economy.
🤝 There is a need for fundamental changes, including exploiting growth opportunities through free trade agreements and addressing long-term industrial policies.

Q & A

What is the current economic situation in Germany as described in the transcript?
-Germany is facing a serious economic crisis, with industries such as Volkswagen, BSF, and Miele struggling to maintain their workforce. The crisis is also impacting suppliers and the middle class, with concerns about the lack of political reforms to address these challenges.
How has Germany's competitiveness changed over the past decade?
-Germany's international competitiveness has significantly declined. Ten years ago, the country ranked 6th in global competitiveness, but it has now fallen to 24th place.
What are the key criticisms of the German government's response to the economic crisis?
-The government is criticized for sending mixed signals, with different coalition partners advocating for conflicting economic policies. There are concerns that the Growth Opportunities Act is insufficient, and the government's bureaucratic approach is seen as stifling industrial growth.
What are some specific challenges facing German industries?
-German industries face high energy costs, excessive bureaucracy, and a lack of investment in infrastructure. Additionally, there's uncertainty about future energy prices and the country's ability to remain globally competitive.
What solutions are being proposed by political and industry leaders?
-Some proposed solutions include reducing bureaucracy, lowering energy costs, and investing in infrastructure. The government is also being urged to implement long-term industrial strategies that go beyond election cycles.
What is the stance of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) regarding the green transformation and future technologies?
-The CDU criticizes the green minister for downplaying the importance of future technologies like e-mobility, heat pumps, and hydrogen. They argue that such technologies should be embraced to help modernize Germany's economy.
How does the German government plan to support industries affected by the crisis?
-The government has implemented measures such as the Growth Opportunities Act and subsidies for struggling industries. However, many in the private sector believe these actions are insufficient and represent only short-term fixes.
What role does private investment play in addressing Germany's economic challenges?
-According to industry leaders, private investment will need to cover two-thirds of the required capital to address the country’s economic problems. This investment is contingent on creating conditions that make it worthwhile for businesses to invest.
How is the situation in Germany compared to the post-World War II period?
-While some have compared the current crisis to the post-WWII recovery, industry leaders believe the situations are not directly comparable. However, they emphasize that Germany needs a similar level of societal and political commitment to industrial growth.
What are the long-term concerns for Germany's industrial sector?
-If the current trajectory continues, one-fifth of Germany's industrial sector could be at risk in the coming years. There are growing concerns about the viability of long-term investments in the country due to unclear policies and rising costs.

Outlines

00:00

⚠️ Economic Struggles in Germany's Major Industries

Germany's major companies, including Volkswagen and Miele, are facing tough times, with layoffs, outsourcing, and factory closures spreading crisis effects to suppliers and the middle class. Experts point to a lack of significant political reforms and express doubt that the seriousness of the situation is fully understood. Economic Minister references the war in Ukraine and high energy prices as aggravating factors, while the government’s growth laws are seen by many in the industry as inadequate. The CDU criticizes the Green Minister for hindering progress by dismissing key future technologies like e-mobility and hydrogen. Despite promises of reduced bureaucracy and tax relief, the country's competitiveness has plummeted from 6th to 24th globally, leaving businesses uncertain about the economic direction.

05:00

💼 Calls for Rethinking Industrial Policy

A leading industry figure emphasizes that without immediate and significant changes in industrial policy, 20% of Germany's industrial base is at risk. A recent study shows that both political and business sectors have failed to implement necessary reforms. The discussion points out that while some call for massive investments, the private sector will bear the brunt of the costs, though public investment is needed for critical infrastructure like roads and schools. The key issue is creating an environment where investments are feasible, and international competitiveness is restored. Despite past missteps, the focus must shift from assigning blame to making decisive changes to regain competitiveness.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Wirtschaftskrise

The term 'Wirtschaftskrise' refers to the economic crisis that Germany is currently facing. In the script, it is used to describe a situation where multiple large companies are struggling, layoffs are occurring, and there is a fear of long-term economic decline. The crisis is seen as having a historic scale, which is putting pressure on both political and industrial sectors to take urgent actions to stabilize the economy and restore growth.

💡Industriepolitik

'Industriepolitik' refers to the policies and strategies used by the government to support and shape the industrial sector. The video discusses the need for a shift in Germany's industry policy, with calls for a more focused and long-term strategy to enhance competitiveness. The current approach is seen as lacking direction, contributing to uncertainty and inhibiting investment, which is particularly detrimental in a time of economic crisis.

💡Wettbewerbsfähigkeit

'Wettbewerbsfähigkeit' means competitiveness, and it is a central concern for the German economy as highlighted in the script. The video points out that Germany has fallen in global rankings of economic competitiveness, dropping from 6th to 24th place over the past decade. The loss of competitiveness is attributed to high energy costs, excessive bureaucracy, and unclear policy directions, which are threatening the long-term viability of German industries.

💡Energiepreise

The term 'Energiepreise' (energy prices) refers to the cost of energy, which is cited as a major burden on German industry. High energy prices are making it difficult for companies to remain competitive, particularly in energy-intensive sectors. This has led to a decline in production and an increased risk of companies relocating to countries with cheaper energy, contributing to the overall economic challenges discussed in the script.

💡Bürokratie

The term 'Bürokratie' (bureaucracy) refers to the complex regulatory environment and administrative hurdles faced by businesses in Germany. The video emphasizes that Germany's high level of bureaucracy is stifling business operations and investment. Simplifying regulations and reducing bureaucratic red tape are identified as critical steps to improve the business environment and encourage growth.

💡Subventionen

'Subventionen' (subsidies) are financial aids provided by the government to support struggling sectors or promote certain industries. In the script, the use of subsidies is debated, with different political factions arguing over their necessity and effectiveness. The SPD favors subsidies to support weak sectors, while the FDP calls for more targeted support to stimulate growth without increasing public debt, reflecting differing economic philosophies within the government.

💡Grüne Transformation

The 'Grüne Transformation' (green transformation) refers to the transition to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly economy. In the video, this concept is linked to the implementation of green technologies, such as e-mobility and green hydrogen. However, the script suggests that progress on this front has stalled, causing concern about whether Germany can achieve its environmental and economic goals simultaneously.

💡Tarifgebundene Arbeitsplätze

'Tarifgebundene Arbeitsplätze' refers to jobs that are covered by collective bargaining agreements. The script highlights the importance of these jobs for maintaining fair wages and stable employment conditions in Germany. There is a call for the government to ensure that public contracts are linked to companies that provide such jobs, which is seen as a way to protect workers' rights during the ongoing economic crisis.

💡Schuldenbremse

The 'Schuldenbremse' (debt brake) is a constitutional rule in Germany that limits the amount of new debt the government can take on. This rule has been a point of contention in the context of addressing the economic crisis, as it restricts the government's ability to invest in large-scale economic recovery programs. The script references the FDP's stance on maintaining fiscal discipline, which complicates efforts to increase state support for the economy.

💡Vertrauen

The concept of 'Vertrauen' (trust) is a recurring theme in the script, as both political and business leaders discuss the need to restore trust in the government’s economic management. The Chancellor’s plea for trust in his leadership is met with skepticism from the business community, which sees a lack of clear strategy and cohesion in current economic policies. Restoring trust is portrayed as essential for stabilizing the economy and encouraging private sector investment.

Highlights

German companies are fighting for their future amid layoffs, warehouse closures, and factory shutdowns.

The crisis is intensifying and affecting the supply chain and the middle class.

There is a lack of real political reforms, and it's unclear if the gravity of the situation is understood by politicians and society.

The debate in the Bundestag highlights the need for significant change.

Economic Minister warns of...