After a long period of uncertainty, the Federal Council has finally approved the Growth Opportunities Act today, paving the way for urgently needed economic stimuli. This means that the law, with its important tax relief measures, can finally come into force after several months of delay. Both the MITTELSTANDSVERBUND and the Deutsche Säge- und Holzindustrie Bundesverband e.V. (DeSH) had vehemently advocated for this in recent months.
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While the relief volume of the measures contained in the law was already moderate and has unfortunately been significantly weakened in the course of the conciliation procedure. Nevertheless, the specific relief measures are important, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises, which suffer particularly under the current economic situation and disproportionately high tax burden.
Dr. Ludwig Veltmann, Managing Director of the MITTELSTANDSVERBUND, explains: 'It was more than overdue for the states to abandon their resistance to the Growth Opportunities Act and thus pave the way for meaningful tax relief. The Mittelstand can now at least breathe a sigh of relief, even though the law can only be a first modest step towards further relief.'
'We expressly welcome today's passage of the Growth Opportunities Act by the Federal Council. After a long period of uncertainty, politics have finally agreed on urgently needed relief measures. This opens up opportunities for important investments and provides a perspective, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises,' says DeSH Managing Director Julia Möbus. 'Unfortunately, the results fall short of expectations. Given the recession and the need for transformation, the German economy requires far-reaching impulses and measures. The fact that the relief volume has now halved to 3.2 billion euros and the climate protection investment premium has been eliminated is no cause for celebration in this context,' Möbus criticises.
'Too many political measures are currently falling short. In both the construction and the overall economy, companies and consumers rely not only on relief and assistance, but also on reliable framework conditions. To stabilise the economy in the medium term, the Growth Opportunities Act creates the most necessary conditions. Further efforts are necessary for a strong boost with long-term effect.'
More information:
MITTELSTANDSVERBUND
www.mittelstandsverbund.de
Deutsche Säge- und Holzindustrie
www.saegeindustrie.de
