German Federal Chancellor

10/22/2024 | Press release | Archived content

Greater dynamics for work and employment

"Nowadays we need qualified workers in particular," stressed Federal Chancellor Scholz in the speech he gave at the BDA Employers' Congress in Berlin.

Photo: Federal Government/Thomas Imo

Inflation, rising interest rates, geopolitical conflicts, stressed supply chains: all of these aspects had been greater challenges for Germany as an industrial and export-oriented country than for many others, said Federal Chancellor Scholz in the speech he gave at the BDA Employers' Congress. This has led to economic stagnation, he stated, pointing out that we now need more growth again.

To this end, the Federal Government has adopted a comprehensive package of measures with its growth initiative, which addresses the decisive growth factors: reduction of excessive bureaucracy, strengthening Germany in its role as a financial centre, incentives for investment and availability of affordable, reliable and sustainable energy.

The key facts:

  • Industry and Employment Pact: The Federal Chancellor announced that an Industry and Employment Pact would be presented this month. "There can be no doubt that what we are negotiating here must then be put into practice," the Federal Chancellor said, adding: "This is my promise to the industrial sector and its millions of employees."
  • Investment: Investment in the areas of digitalisation, AI and machinery is essential, as this will also boost productivity and innovation. Providing suitable incentives for such investment is a central aspect of the Federal Chancellor's business and industry policy.
  • More qualified workers: Excellently trained, well-paid workers are key if we want to be able to successfully compete internationally. The new Skilled Labour Immigration Act welcomes qualified workers from abroad.
  • Increasing the number of working hours: The Federal Government is working towards improving the compatibility of work and family life, for example by taking care of children in all-day schools. Bureaucracy should also not stop people from working past the retirement age if they wish to. To this end, pre-employment bans will be eliminated, also for fixed-term employment.

A transcript of the speech find you here (only in German).