Group CEOs call for policy change just before the federal election

In the recently intensified migration debate, the CEOs of Deutsche Bank, Siemens, and Mercedes-Benz are speaking out. They called for openness to the immigration of skilled workers and advocated for a fundamentally new economic policy in Germany. 

Siemens CEO Roland Busch warned before the federal election on February 23 of a "massive increase in xenophobic positions": "The federal election must not become a protest vote."

Without stable democracy, there is no prosperity and no growth.

Siemens CEO: Centrist parties must pull together

Busch advocated for an open society and warned against polarization in politics. The field of immigration is too complex.

"The centrist parties must pull together and sit down with each other."

Germany needs more workers and specialists, said Busch. Above all, however, people must be "brought into work extremely quickly," according to the Siemens CEO.

"We have people from all over the world working with us. We value that very much."

Mercedes CEO: "We need the best minds"

Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius lamented a growing shortage of skilled workers. However, in the debate on immigration, issues are being mixed.

"Illegal immigration is not the same as attracting skilled workers to the country. We need the best minds for growth."

In economic policy, Källenius advocated for free trade against the backdrop of looming tariff conflicts. Additionally, a "bureaucratic inventory" is needed in Europe, and regulations must be scrutinized. The industry needs competitive energy prices. 

Siemens CEO Busch expressed a similar opinion. He called for a moratorium on European regulation. On the other hand, targeted support is needed for the market introduction of technologies like artificial intelligence and massive investments in infrastructure. In schools, science and mathematics subjects need to be promoted more, and German universities should improve in computer science.