Germany German CEOs call for political change ahead of Bundestag elections
The CEOs of Deutsche Bank, Siemens and Mercedes-Benz have spoken out in the recently intensified migration debate. They called for openness to the immigration of skilled workers and pleaded for a fundamentally new economic policy in Germany.
06.02.2025, 11:10
SDA
Siemens CEO Roland Busch warned of a "massive increase in xenophobic positions" ahead of the Bundestag elections on February 23: "The Bundestag elections must not become a protest election." Without a stable democracy, there would be no prosperity and no growth.
Siemens boss: centrist parties must pull together
Busch spoke out in favour of an open society and warned against polarization in politics. The field of immigration is too complex, he said. "The centrist parties must pull together and come together."
Germany needs more workers and skilled workers, said Busch. Above all, however, people need to be placed in jobs "extremely quickly", said the Siemens CEO. "We have people from all over the world working for us. We really appreciate that."
Mercedes boss: "We need the best minds"
Mercedes-Benz boss Ola Källenius lamented a growing shortage of skilled workers. In the debate about immigration, however, issues are being mixed up. "Illegal immigration is not the same as attracting skilled workers to the country. We need the best minds for growth."
In terms of economic policy, Källenius spoke out in favor of free trade against the backdrop of looming customs conflicts. An "inventory of bureaucracy" is also needed in Europe and regulations must be put to the test. Industry needs competitive energy prices.
Siemens CEO Busch expressed a similar view. He called for a moratorium on European regulation. On the other hand, there needs to be targeted support for the market launch of technologies such as artificial intelligence and massive investment in infrastructure. Scientific and mathematical subjects should be promoted more strongly in schools and German universities should improve their computer science programs.
Deutsche Bank CEO: Europe must be united
Deutsche Bank CEO Christian Sewing also called for a stronger Europe with a view to the re-election of US President Donald Trump. Among other things, a harmonized European single market for capital and products is needed. The EU, with around 450 million inhabitants, must present a united front. There also needs to be a reduction in bureaucracy, especially for SMEs.
The call was made as part of the "We stand for values" initiative, an economic alliance of almost 40 large German companies and organizations that was founded for the 2024 European elections. The companies, which also include Volkswagen, BMW, BASF and Allianz, are committed to "diversity, openness and tolerance".
