A Race Against Time: Immediate Actions to Boost Economy, Says Chief of Staff Thorsten Frei
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Immediate Implementation of Multiple Projects, as Suggested by the Chief of the Chancellor's Office - Immediate Implementation of Multiple Projects Suggested by Chancellor
In an exclusive video chat with the German Press Agency, Chief of Staff Thorsten Frei emphasized the urgent need for the black-red coalition to chart a swift course aimed at easing burdens on both citizens and businesses, and reviving the economy. "We're now preparing to tackle what we can do quickly and before the summer break," Frei, a CDU politician, stated. "We've got a wide array of projects in our coalition agreement that don't require any financial investment and can be implemented immediately."
Flexible working hours, scrap supply chain law, slash energy costs
Frei offered several potential areas with the possibility of quick progress, such as the flexibilization of working hours, shifting from a daily working cap to a weekly one. Additionally, the suspension or abolition of the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act, a revamp of energy policies to lower costs - specifically, a reduction in electricity tax and network charges - were raised as other potential areas of progress. To extract the nation from the prevailing recession cycle, the Union and SPD aim to instigate an investment surge through improved depreciation options, which could subsequently pave the way for a comprehensive corporate tax reform.
"Send a powerful message that change is possible"
Frei underscored the necessity for more favorable conditions for the economy in terms of taxes, energy, and less red tape. "We've got to send a clear message to the economy and the people that we can turn things around and get back on a growth path," Frei said, commenting on the proceedings of the Ludwig Erhard Summit at Tegernsee.
Frei acknowledged that many projects in the coalition agreement have a financial reserve, stating that they must firstly spend money they have. To expand their financial scope, there are two options: further savings or generating economic growth. "If we manage to grow the economy, then the increased production will result in higher tax revenues," he explained. These would then grant the means to enact numerous measures outlined in the coalition agreement.
"A fair share for all, not at the expense of others"
Frei cautioned against treating the coalition agreement as a sacred scripture, but rather as a foundation for their work, allowing for continued development and adaptability. "One mustn't lose sight of our government's common goal," he asserted.
During coalition negotiations, Frei sensed limits and compromises that could be achieved without overburdening the coalition partners. "If we tread this path without burdening the other, then I'm confident that something good will come out for our country in the end," he expressed his belief.
- Thorsten Frei
- Coalition Agreement
- Federal Government
- CDU
- SPD
- German Press Agency
Enrichment Data:
Hidden Depths
- Economic Stimulus: Although specific initiatives weren't detailed, the coalition's focus on infrastructure spending and climate policy indicates efforts to stimulate economic activity through public investments.
- Migration Policy: The new government, led by CDU leader Friedrich Merz, intends to strengthen border controls, which may have implications for businesses and citizens involved in border trade or migration services.
- The German Press Agency's exclusive interview with Chief of Staff Thorsten Frei emphasized the need for immediate actions to boost the economy.
- Thorsten Frei suggested several potential areas for quick progress in the coalition's agreement, such as flexibilization of working hours, revamp of energy policies, suspension of the Supply Chain Due Diligence Act, and investment surge through improved depreciation options.
- In the coalition agreement, there are projects that don't require financial investment and can be implemented immediately, according to Frei.
- Thorsten Frei underlined the necessity for favorable conditions for the economy in terms of taxes, energy, and less red tape, hoping to send a powerful message that change is possible.
