The state’s role in the economic landscape is under scrutiny, especially in light of the challenges faced by Volkswagen and other major companies in Germany. Olaf Lies, the economy minister of Lower Saxony, expressed concerns about the lack of public investment to support market development, affecting companies like Volkswagen. This situation has also caught the attention of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition in Berlin, who are facing pressure to address structural issues in the business environment.
Economy minister Robert Habeck and finance minister Christian Lindner have diverging views on how to support Germany’s transition, particularly in the electric vehicle sector. These differing opinions highlight the complexity of decision-making within the government. The recent struggles of Volkswagen, Thyssenkrupp, and BASF further underscore the need for proactive measures to ensure the sustainability of Germany’s industrial landscape.
Despite the challenges, there is optimism that with forward-thinking strategies and decisive actions, German companies can navigate these difficult times. Christiane Benner, chair of IG Metall, remains hopeful, stating that Volkswagen has overcome challenges in the past.