Brandenburg’s Prime Minister Dietmar Woidke (SPD) is entering the new year optimistically with a view to economic development in Brandenburg. “Today we are the leader in Germany when it comes to economic dynamics. That is something we can build on,” said the head of government of the German Press Agency on the sidelines of the Cottbus Chamber of Crafts’ New Year’s reception on Thursday evening. He is firmly convinced that the country will continue to have this top position in the future. Among other things, large projects in Lusatia such as the ICE maintenance facility of Deutsche Bahn or the university medical center in Cottbus as well as other investments would contribute to the country’s economic strength.
As far as the federal level is concerned, the head of government said he would primarily like to see stable and secure framework conditions for people, but also for the economy. “Unfortunately, there is so much arguing in the federal government, and unfortunately also public debate, that it obviously seems to be very, very difficult to give this security to the people in the country.” At a time when the world seems to be turning in the wrong direction ever faster, security is important for people, emphasized Woidke.
“Uncertainty is poison for the economy,” said the President of the Cottbus Chamber of Crafts, Corina Reifenstein. High energy prices, increased tolls, skyrocketing construction prices and increases in the price of materials and transport not only affect entrepreneurs in the trades, but also the entire economy and therefore every single citizen. In order to work economically, the prices would have to be passed on to the end consumer. “Companies expect orientation, planning security and, above all, pragmatic solutions,” said Reifenstein. She called on the state government to advocate for this at the federal level.
The Cottbus Chamber of Crafts will meet with state politicians for discussions next week. According to the information, the almost 9,400 companies in the chamber district employ around 45,000 people and over 1,700 apprentices. In 2023 they generated sales of more than four billion euros. In protest against the federal government’s austerity plans, associations in the region have called for a rally in Cottbus on Monday.
