ZDH President Urges More Mittelstand Support, Calls for Electricity Tax Cut

The ZDH president wants more action from the government. He's calling for electricity tax cuts to help small, energy-intensive businesses.

ZDH President Urges More Mittelstand Support, Calls for Electricity Tax Cut

Jörg Dittrich, president of the Central Association of German Crafts (ZDH), has expressed his dissatisfaction with the German government's support for the Mittelstand, urging them to provide more tangible relief, particularly through a reduction in electricity tax for smaller businesses.

Dittrich has criticized the government for not adequately addressing the concerns of the mid-sized sector, despite acknowledging the heavy burdens they face. While the government maintains steady funding programs like the Central Innovation Program for SMEs with around 560 million euros, promotes digital transformation, and improves infrastructure investment, Dittrich argues that these measures are insufficient. Small energy-intensive businesses, in particular, feel left out as they are largely excluded from promised electricity tax reductions.

The government, however, pledges to continue lowering social contributions, reducing bureaucracy, and supporting energy affordability. They aim to provide relief but have not yet delivered broad electricity tax cuts for all Mittelstand companies, leaving small business owners dissatisfied.

Jörg Dittrich's call for more attention to the Mittelstand's needs highlights the ongoing debate about the German government's support for the sector. While the government acknowledges the challenges faced by small businesses, the lack of tangible relief, such as widespread electricity tax reductions, continues to be a contentious issue.