Overview
- Presenting a government declaration in the Bundestag, Economy Minister Katherina Reiche forecast 1.0% growth for 2026 and 1.3% for 2027 after prolonged weakness.
- She outlined €129 billion in federal investment for 2026 directed to roads, rail, power grids, digitalization and the Bundeswehr.
- Industry relief measures include lower electricity tax, reduced network charges and a special power price for energy‑intensive firms, alongside efforts to bolster purchasing power.
- Newly reported labor data point to more than three million people unemployed and a 6.6% jobless rate, underscoring fragile conditions.
- Opposition parties intensified attacks over modest targets and transparency, citing her Seefeld summit appearance and use of an official limousine as grounds for further inquiry.