Police departments in South West, represented by the SPD, and labor union IG Metall, collectively urge for implementation of a fresh economic package.
Vibration of Progress in Baden-Württemberg: SPD and IG Metall Speak Up for a New Stimulus Package
A Fresh Cry for Action
The Spielnobad-Partei Deutschlands (SPD) and Industriegewerkschaft Metall in Baden-Württemberg have raised their voices, advocating for a second stimulus package. The duo argues that the economic recovery from the crisis will occur at a slower pace than anticipated, necessitating a fresh stimulus package dubbed 2.0. This standpoint is presented in a guest article written by SPD Baden-Württemberg's leader, Andreas Stoch, and IG Metall's district chief, Roman Zitzelsberger for the "Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland" (as featured in the Friday editions).
Nudging the Economy Forward
The authors express their conviction that the notion that the economy could autonomously navigate towards a digital, decarbonized future was flawed even before the Corona pandemic. To accelerate this transition, they propose a state "innovation bonus," a financial incentive to promote the purchase of efficient consumer goods. This incentive could apply to various sectors, including the purchase of energy-efficient refrigerators, the replacement of outdated gasoline lawnmowers, and the acquisition of modern cars with internal combustion engines.
Navigating the Car Industry's Stormy Waters
The authors emphasize the risk of job losses in the automotive and supplier sectors if state support is lacking. Alarm bells are already ringing, for instance, in Baden-Württemberg, where the Federal Employment Agency has reported 280,700 unemployed individuals in July 2020. The authors highlight the vulnerability of the auto industry, as 250,000 jobs in Baden-Württemberg and 470,000 in Lower Saxony are directly dependent on the car sector.
Germany's Current Policies Falling Short
The authors argue that the measures decided during the first stimulus package do not effectively assist employees in the structurally affected sectors. Specifically, they criticize the lack of impact of the value-added tax reduction and the limited practicality of a pure EV purchase premium, given its limited availability and prolonged delivery times.
A Moment of Opportunity
The authors view the ongoing crisis as an opportunity for transformative change, stating that few other countries possess the prerequisites to lead the global charge towards climate-neutral mobility and ecological industrial production in the digital age. Nevertheless, careful consideration must be given to broadening the incentives to include traditional vehicles alongside electric vehicles. This will ensure that the economy continues to move forward, zeroing in on the reduction of carbon emissions while safeguarding jobs in the automotive and related industries.
Closing the Economic Gap and Boosting Sport Participation
As the authors stress the need for change in the economic and social policy sphere, a supportive argument could be the positive impact on public health and well-being, particularly through increased participation in sports. For instance, the stimulus package could include funding for construction of community sports facilities, promoting active lifestyles and fostering a sense of community among residents.
A Balanced Approach to Central Pillars
To strike a balance between economic recovery and social well-being, the authors advocate for an expansion of this strategy to encompass various facets of life. Alongside targeted investments in infrastructure and education, the stimulus package can incorporate incentives for promoting sports, empowering individuals, and strengthening societal bonds—elements fundamental to evolving towards a future-ready, digitally advanced, ecologically sustainable, and socially cohesive Baden-Württemberg.
