100 Days

A few days ago, I met an old acquaintance in a Berlin café: a lawyer and, for several years, a member, then Vice President and President of the Berlin House of Representatives. A man who has long shaped political events in our country.

Our conversation was both open and enlightening. When I asked him how he assessed the current coalition agreement, he said in a calm voice: “Friedrich Merz has been underestimated for years. He is constantly criticized – but in truth, he is much better than many would like to admit. And believe me: He will be a good Chancellor.”

This remark got me thinking. In recent weeks, the public debate has been characterized by great bitterness: criticism of the negotiation process, blackmail by the coalition partner, disappointment over the alleged lack of policy change, and even accusations of electoral fraud. One might think that nothing has been achieved – and yet that is not the case.

Anyone who reads the coalition agreement carefully will realize that far more has been achieved on many key points than many had expected or feared. In addition to the reduction of unnecessary bureaucracy and the announced tax relief for small and medium-sized enterprises, it also contains important impulses for the innovative strength of the German economy.

The reduction in electricity prices, accelerated digitalization of administration, investments in climate-friendly technologies, and the determined expansion of the energy infrastructure are clear signals: The goal is to make Germany fit for the future.

For example, with a housing construction boost, which is to be developed in the next 100 days and will hopefully then deliver what our country urgently needs: a clear starting signal for new housing construction!

We Germans often tend to look for faults. It seems to me as if it’s a national hobby to downplay or criticize things. But complaining and grumbling have actually never improved the future. Optimism, the will to shape things, and courage – these are the forces that will move us forward.

Let’s give the new team these 100 days to show that they’re serious, that they want and will make it happen: Germany’s move into a new, better era. Our country can do more, and so can we.

With that in mind, I wish you a confident spring and, as always, stay close to one another.

Sincerely,

Ernst-M. Ehrenkönig · CEO & Managing Partner