PRESS STATEMENT “The federal government must ensure effective support in the areas of labor market and continuing education policies”

Jörg Hofmann: “ With its 2030 Climate Protection Program, the federal government is setting the right course in some areas. Nevertheless, many questions remain unanswered. The goals are described correctly, but it is questionable whether the measures outlined will be sufficient in the coming years. The package contains some positive points—from discounts on train tickets to the shift in vehicle tax toward CO2 emissions and the promotion of e-mobility, as well as the reduction of the EEG surcharge and the increase in housing subsidies.

However, on the investment front, the plan remains too timid to deliver the major breakthrough with truly transformative impact that was promised. Furthermore, the draft suggests that the federal government’s priority remains a balanced budget rather than a decisive climate policy, whose investment requirements far exceed the expected additional revenue.

What’s important is that things finally get off the ground. After all, in addition to climate targets, hundreds of thousands of jobs are at stake. The federal government must ensure that the pact is accompanied by effective labor market and continuing education policies. The Climate Protection Program contains no concrete measures in this regard. This must be addressed without fail.”