Industrial Dissatisfaction with Northern German State Governments
A recent survey paints a grim picture of the industrial sector’s discontent with state governments in Northern Germany. The survey, conducted by the employers’ associations Nordmetall and AGV Nord in collaboration with the Industry Association Hamburg (IVH), reveals widespread dissatisfaction among businesses.
Schleswig-Holstein Tops the Charts
Among the five states surveyed, Schleswig-Holstein, governed by a coalition of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Greens, received the highest approval rating, with 57% of respondents expressing satisfaction. This relative positivity may be attributed to the state’s focus on fostering economic growth through measures such as investment in infrastructure and support for startups.
Hamburg Expresses Unhappiness
In contrast, Hamburg, ruled by a coalition of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the Greens, and the Left Party, received a dismal 12% satisfaction rating, reflecting industry’s dissatisfaction with the city-state’s governance. Specifically, businesses criticized the Senate’s handling of traffic, labor market, economic, and energy policies.
Key Concerns and Demands
Across Northern Germany, industrial companies identified several areas of concern:
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Bureaucracy: 70% of respondents cited the need for reducing administrative hurdles and streamlining bureaucratic processes.
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Approval Procedures: 61% called for the acceleration of approval procedures, particularly in the context of infrastructure projects.
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Digitalization of Administration: 51% stressed the importance of modernizing government services through digitalization, enhancing efficiency.
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Baustellenkoordination: 40% highlighted the need for better coordination of construction sites to minimize disruption for businesses and residents.
Infrastructure: A Critical Concern
Hamburg, as a key national and international trade hub, is particularly dependent on reliable infrastructure. The survey results underscore the urgent need for investment in roads, bridges, tunnels, and mobile networks to support the city’s economic vitality.
A Wake-up Call
Nico Fíckinger, Managing Director of Nordmetall and AGV Nord, emphasized the significance of the survey findings. "In only one of the five northern German states is the majority of companies satisfied with the government’s work," he said. "This is a resounding wake-up call for state governments to prioritize the needs of the economy."
Upcoming Elections
The survey’s release coincides with the upcoming Bürgerschaft election in Hamburg on February 23rd, a week after the Bundestag election. These results may influence the political landscape and shape the future of business-government relations in the city-state.
Conclusion
The survey provides a stark reminder of the disconnect between the industrial sector and state governments in Northern Germany. The widespread dissatisfaction highlights the need for policymakers to actively address the concerns of businesses to foster economic growth, innovation, and job creation.
