(Gemini Audio)
(de-news.net) — German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) has formally introduced an ambitious and multifaceted reform initiative designed to reposition Germany as a preeminent economic power on the global stage. Addressing the press at the conclusion of a two-day cabinet retreat held at the historic Villa Borsig in Berlin, Merz articulated the federal government’s unwavering commitment to reclaiming economic leadership through a comprehensive modernisation strategy, with a pronounced focus on high-tech innovation and digital transformation.
The reform package comprises approximately 80 targeted measures, each crafted to improve the operational efficiency, technological integration, and citizen-centric orientation of public administration. At the heart of this initiative lie 23 strategically defined “lever projects,” which are expected to deliver measurable and lasting improvements across key sectors. Among the most prominent proposals are the nationwide implementation of a unified online vehicle registration system and the creation of a streamlined digital infrastructure that facilitates company formation within a 24-hour timeframe. In addition, legislative efforts aimed at expediting residential construction are slated for parliamentary consideration within the current legislative cycle, reflecting the government’s intent to address housing shortages with urgency.
A significant component of the reform agenda is the introduction of a direct payment mechanism, originally conceptualised under the previous administration. This system will supplant the employer-mediated financial disbursement model used during the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling the federal government to transfer funds directly to individual recipients. The mechanism is expected to enhance the speed, transparency, and accessibility of public financial support, particularly in times of crisis or economic disruption.
To bolster Germany’s appeal to international talent, the government intends to establish a centralised digital “Work-and-Stay Agency.” This institution will serve as a one-stop platform for managing visa applications, processing residence permits, and facilitating the recognition of foreign professional qualifications. In parallel, export-oriented businesses will gain access to an artificial intelligence-powered platform that consolidates resources from foreign trade promotion and development cooperation programmes, thereby improving strategic outreach and operational efficiency.
Chancellor Merz praised the internal dynamics of the governing coalition, describing the working environment as highly collegial, transparent, and conducive to effective policymaking. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) emphasised the necessity of addressing long-standing administrative deficiencies, while Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (SPD) framed the reform agenda as a pivotal opportunity to deliver tangible improvements to citizens’ daily lives. Parliamentary State Secretary Philipp Amthor (CDU) underscored the importance of collaborative governance, advocating for a reduction in documentation and verification requirements to ease regulatory burdens on both individuals and enterprises.
According to official government forecasts, the reform measures are projected to reduce bureaucratic costs by 25% by the year 2029. Concurrently, an 8% reduction in federal staffing levels is anticipated, reflecting a broader commitment to leaner and more agile public sector operations. The initiative marks a decisive step toward modernising Germany’s administrative framework and enhancing its global competitiveness in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.