Key Facts
- ✓ Chancellor Merz told coalition politicians the situation in several key German businesses is 'very critical.'
- ✓ Merz said the government must prioritize improving areas like energy and labor costs in 2026.
Quick Summary
Chancellor Merz has sent a letter to coalition politicians warning that the economic situation in Germany is deteriorating. He characterized the status of several key German businesses as "very critical."
In response to this assessment, the Chancellor outlined necessary government actions. He stated that the administration must prioritize improving specific economic areas in 2026. These priority areas include reducing energy costs and labor costs to stabilize the business environment.
Chancellor's Warning to Coalition
Chancellor Merz has formally alerted coalition politicians to the severity of the current economic climate. In a recent communication, he detailed the challenges facing the nation's industrial sector. The Chancellor's message serves as a call to action for the governing coalition to address immediate economic threats.
The core of the warning focuses on the health of major German corporations. Merz stated that the situation in several key German businesses is "very critical." This assessment suggests that significant sectors of the economy are under severe pressure, requiring immediate attention from policymakers to prevent further decline.
"the situation in several key German businesses is "very critical.""
— Chancellor Merz
Priorities for 2026 📅
To address the critical business environment, Chancellor Merz has outlined a specific agenda for the coming year. He emphasized that the government must prioritize structural improvements to support the economy. The focus is on creating a more favorable environment for business operations.
The Chancellor identified two main cost drivers that need immediate relief. He explicitly mentioned the need to improve energy and labor costs in 2026. By targeting these specific areas, the government aims to lower overheads for companies and restore competitiveness to the German market.
Government Response Strategy
The letter sent by Chancellor Merz to his allies outlines the administration's intended strategy. By prioritizing energy and labor costs, the government is signaling a shift toward supply-side economics. The goal is to alleviate the financial burden on businesses that are currently struggling.
While specific policy measures were not detailed in the summary, the directive to improve these costs suggests potential reforms in energy regulation and labor market policies. The administration is expected to draft legislation aimed at achieving these cost reductions throughout the 2026 fiscal year.
Conclusion
Chancellor Merz's recent correspondence highlights a pivotal moment for the German economy. The declaration that key businesses are in a "very critical" state sets a tone of urgency for the coalition government.
Success in the upcoming year will likely depend on the administration's ability to deliver on the promise of reduced energy and labor costs. As 2026 progresses, all eyes will be on the government's legislative agenda to see if these priorities can stabilize the critical business sectors identified by the Chancellor.



