Merz to Push Cabinet for Swift Implementation of Growth Reforms

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is set to press his cabinet next week to speed up the implementation of reforms designed to ease the burden on businesses and stimulate economic growth.

Speaking ahead of a cabinet retreat in Neuhardenberg, Brandenburg, Merz said the nation's focus must be on growth and employment. "At stake in Germany are growth and employment. That is the most important issue," he said. "So full concentration on that — keep your eye on the ball."

The Chancellor, who leads the conservative Christian Democratic Union, plans to direct ministers to move quickly on measures agreed before the summer recess. These include reforms covering taxes, pensions, deregulation and digitalisation.

"We made historic decisions before the summer break," Merz said. "Now they must be implemented as quickly as possible."

He stressed that the government's priority is to deliver rapid and comprehensive relief for the economy, with particular attention to tradespeople and small and medium-sized companies.