BERLIN (Dow Jones)–Employer President Rainer Dulger firmly expects that Germany will lose prosperity due to the shortage of skilled workers. “The shortage of skilled workers can no longer be completely eliminated,” Dulger told Bild am Sonntag. “And that will lead to us losing prosperity in this country.”
Politicians must now try to alleviate the shortage of skilled workers. “Germany must become attractive again for skilled workers from abroad,” Dulger continued. Dulger defended himself against the accusation that employers had prevented an appropriate increase in the minimum wage. “There is a minimum wage commission. This commission, in which representatives of employees and employers sit, decided on an increase by a majority and the government implemented the result. I finally ask you to respect that!”
Regarding calls for a hefty increase in the next round of commissions, Dulger said: “Politicians have to stay out of wage determination. If they want low-income earners to have more money in their accounts, they are welcome to reduce taxes and contributions.”
The employer president also calls on the traffic light to say goodbye to its climate policy goals. “If the traffic light implements everything it has set out to do in terms of climate policy, Germany will no longer be able to keep up internationally.”
He painted a bleak picture of the economic situation in Germany. More and more companies are giving up “because they are being asked to make investments that they cannot afford.” Dulger continues: “We are currently losing economic structures that will no longer come back so easily.” It’s time for politicians to finally wake up.
Climate goals would have to be achieved using market-based instruments. “Climate protection, yes, but not one that destroys the economy. All traffic light projects that aim to push the German economy towards climate neutrality with planned economy regulations must be reconsidered.” Dulger cited “forced electrification” or “excessive heat regulations” as examples. “Companies, from trade to industry to housing construction, can no longer afford this. Some older entrepreneurs are now thinking: Before I implement the strict regulations with money I don’t have, I’d better stop completely.”
In order to revive the economy, the government will have to withdraw many regulations. “The economy is now plagued by so many rules, regulations and guidelines that it is pointless to single out any of them,” says Dulger.
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November 26, 2023 05:21 ET (10:21 GMT)