More than half of Germany's medium-sized companies expect an economic downturn next year, according to a survey by the BVMW business association.
Christoph Ahlhaus, the association's chief executive, said on Saturday that "superficial reforms are no longer enough to get Germany back on track."
He said businesses expect the federal government to finally deliver on long-promised structural reforms and concrete relief measures in areas such as bureaucracy, the labour market, taxation and energy costs.
According to the survey, 54% of companies expect an economic slowdown, while only 22% anticipate an upswing. In addition, 42% of respondents said they plan to scale back investment in 2026, the association said.
Medium-sized companies, known as the Mittelstand, form the backbone of Germany's economy and account for a large share of employment and investment.
The German economy contracted in 2023 and 2024, while growth is forecast to be minimal this year and no meaningful recovery is expected in 2026.
The BVMW surveyed more than 1,000 Mittelstand companies in an online poll conducted between December 18 and 23.
latest_posts
- 1
Gunmen open fire near Israeli consulate in Istanbul in possible ISIS-linked attack - 2African nations push to recognize crimes of colonialism in Algeria
- 3Vote In favor of Your Number one Cell phones
- 4What is IDF's view on pontential long-term occupation of southern Lebanon?
- 5Scientists find evidence that an asteroid contains tryptophan
- James Webb Space Telescope watches 'Jekyll and Hyde' galaxy shapeshift into a cosmic monster
- 5 Bike Brands for Ordinary Use
- The most effective method to Pick the Right Material Organization: Your Definitive Aide
- Tasting America: An Excursion Through Darling Cheap Food Brands
- 13 must-see moon events in 2026: Eclipses, supermoons, conjunctions and more
- As Western heat wave ends, scientists try to make sense of its length and intensity
- 'The Housemaid' movie with Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried premieres this month. What the stars have said about the psychological thriller.
- A whale stranded at a Baltic Sea resort has swum off a sandbank. But it isn't safe yet
- Everyday Seasonal Positions That Compensate Fairly in the US
