Overview
- Bundesverband mittelständische Wirtschaft chief Christoph Ahlhaus sent a blistering letter to Chancellor Friedrich Merz citing “blankes Entsetzen” and urging him to critically reassess Mittelstand envoy Gitta Connemann.
- Survey figures in the letter show 64% of polled companies no longer expect the touted “Wirtschaftswende” to succeed and 79% do not perceive an engaged effort by the government.
- A 15‑member alliance of major business associations, including HDE and VDA, rejected the personnel demand and said the BVMW does not speak for the entire Mittelstand, with VDA’s Hildegard Müller praising Connemann’s competence.
- In a ZDF interview, Ahlhaus reaffirmed pressure for faster, concrete reforms such as cutting bureaucracy, called current steps too slow and industry‑focused, and emphasized his continued loyalty to the government.
- The dispute has been amplified by national media coverage and public discontent, with recent polling showing low approval for Merz and reader reactions reflecting frustration over the government’s economic direction.