The uncertain energy supply is of particular concern to the economy. According to the SME and Economic Union, the concerns of companies are growing. Warnings have now turned into desperate calls for help. Minister of Economics Habeck, in particular, has been criticized.
The SME and Economic Union has called on Economics Minister Robert Habeck to act because of an “energy tsunami” for companies. The boss Gitta Connemann said: “We receive daily news about bankruptcies, partial shutdowns or production tasks. Traditional companies and startups, craft businesses and service providers are on the wall. They are running out of time. Waiting longer for relief costs livelihoods.”
Many companies used up their reserves during the pandemic, said Connemann. “And anyone who still has something to add will be hit by the energy tsunami.” Even healthy traditional companies could not shoulder the X-fold increase in energy prices, the gas surcharge and the like. “Many companies no longer get energy supply contracts. And the rest now lack raw and basic materials – from steel to carbon dioxide. The warnings have now turned into desperate calls for help.”
According to Connemann, the crisis no longer only threatens individual companies, but entire sectors. “And the Federal Minister of Economics? Robert Habeck only now seems to understand how bad things are for medium-sized companies in Germany. Only now does he seem to realize the extent of the threat to Germany as a business location.” There is no other way to assess the fact that he is now trimming his ministry into crisis mode – far too late.
Habeck had announced restructuring. “It’s reminiscent of a fire chief who clears the hoses in the fire truck and is looking for the key while a whole row of houses is already ablaze,” said Connemann. Habeck had announced extended help for companies. Connemann called for a cap on electricity and gas prices, a stop to the gas levy and a reduction in energy taxes to the European minimum.
