President Christian Jöst sees good approaches, but calls for swift implementation for companies
The Darmstadt Rhine-Main-Neckar Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) generally views the coalition's reform package positively, but calls for the swift implementation of concrete measures to relieve the burden on businesses. It is crucial that the announced reforms reach companies promptly.
“The coalition’s reform package contains important and overdue approaches for Germany as a business location. However, it remains crucial that this quickly translates into concrete relief for businesses,” explains Christian Jöst, President of the Darmstadt Rhine Main Neckar Chamber of Industry and Commerce.
The Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) particularly welcomes the planned reduction of reporting and documentation requirements, the increased use of so-called deemed approvals, and the introduction of more risk-oriented supervision. Jöst sees this as a necessary shift in the relationship between government and businesses.
“This is a necessary paradigm shift: less mistrust, fewer obligations to provide proof, more trust in companies that act in accordance with the law,” said the Chamber of Industry and Commerce president.
The acceleration of administrative procedures must also be accelerated. The economy needs tangible improvements and cannot wait for long implementation periods.
“Companies need speed now – not at the end of 2027. The acceleration pact between the federal and state governments must finally be put into practice,” demands Jöst.
The Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) also sees Hesse as having a responsibility to reduce bureaucracy
The Darmstadt Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK Darmstadt) believes that the planned introduction of a deemed approval after four weeks at the federal level should also be extended to other administrative levels. Jöst sees the federal states as particularly responsible in this regard.
"With a Ministry for Bureaucracy Reduction in Hesse, a short-term amendment to the Hessian Administrative Procedure Act should not be a problem. Hesse should take the lead here," explains the Chamber of Industry and Commerce president.
Jöst, however, is critical of potential new burdens on businesses. The planned higher flat-rate tax on mini-jobs could particularly affect sectors such as retail, hospitality, and services. The Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) also believes that additional tax burdens for high-performing businesses and entrepreneurs would send the wrong signal.
“Those who want growth must reward performance more strongly – not impose additional burdens,” Jöst emphasizes.
According to the Darmstadt Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK Darmstadt), the reform package can only contribute to an economic turnaround if concrete improvements quickly result from the announcements.
“The package has some good ideas. Whether it will contribute to a turnaround in growth, however, will not be decided by the headline, but by what actually reaches the companies,” says Jöst. Besides politicians, public administrations also have a role to play: Support for a willingness to change and a faster pace of reform are needed. “Courage is required,” says the Chamber of Industry and Commerce president.
(DARMSTADT – RED/IHK)
Featured image: Christian Jöst, President of the Darmstadt Rhine-Main-Neckar Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK). Photo: IHK
