Germany’s vice chancellor has urged leaders not to badmouth the country’s business competitiveness or become too gloomy amid the current economic slump.
“We have problems, problems that are related to the geopolitical situation as well as home-made problems.
“But that does not mean that everything is bad. We are a strong location.
“We are a highly attractive location for foreign investors,” Robert Habeck told lawmakers during a debate in parliament over the proposed 2024 budget on Thursday.
Habeck, who also served as economy minister, said there was a “spirit of cooperation” in the country and argued that politicians should embrace Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s suggestion.
Scholz’s suggested a “Germany Pact” that would help to modernise the country and streamline government bureaucracy.
He pointed toward joint efforts with several German states to cut red tape and speed government approval processes, including for renewable energy projects.
“The will to strengthen Germany as a business location means relying on the strength of this country and unleashing it.
“Let’s break away from the sloppiness of the past, let’s unleash Germany’s economic power, let’s renew prosperity,” Habeck said.
