NewsEconomic warning: Dulger cites Germany's workforce and climate challenges

Economic warning: Dulger cites Germany's workforce and climate challenges

The photo shows the Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz, and Rainer Dulger, who is the Chairman of the Federal Association of Employers BDA.
The photo shows the Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz, and Rainer Dulger, who is the Chairman of the Federal Association of Employers BDA.
Images source: © Getty Images | SeanGallup
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11:54 AM EST, November 28, 2023

Germany is grappling with a labor shortage, and current migration policies appear insufficient to resolve this issue- warns Rainer Dulger, the head of the German Employers' Association. Dulger suggests that this predicament could have adverse effects on the national economy and the standard of living in Germany.

"It has become impossible to fully rectify the labor shortage," said Rainer Dulger during an interview with "Bild am Sonntag", as quoted by Deutsche Welle. "The shortage of skilled professionals and workers could potentially lead to a reduction in prosperity in our country" - added Dulger, who also heads the Federal Association of Employers (BDA).

According to Dulger, the current migration policy does not generate sufficient interest among foreigners to pursue work opportunities in Germany. "What incentives can we provide? One of the most complex languages in Europe, a problematic housing market, sluggish bureaucracy, and a scarcity of preschool placements with rigid operational hours" - Dulger articulated his concerns.

Dulger suggests that Germany should consider designing an improved, more inviting migration policy, a 'welcome culture', as seen in other large countries that attract foreign workers.

Deutsche Welle reports data from the Buldendi center which shows that presently in Germany, only one in two companies are adequately prepared to accept workers from abroad.

Climate policy in need of transformation?

Rainer Dulger argues that in addition to migration policy, climate policy presents another challenge. "If all coalition commitments are implemented as planned, Germany will struggle to compete internationally" –he commented in his interview with "Bild am Sonntag".

He suggests that companies are obliged to invest in targets they may not be able to achieve, leading some businesses to close their doors. "We are gradually losing economic structures that we cannot easily rebuild" - he cautioned. Dulger emphasizes that climate goals should be pursued while considering the principles of the free market, rather than by imposing "regulations of centrally planned economies".