Coalition Agreement: TMV warns of minimum wage increase and criticizes lack of measures against market distortion

In its assessment of the coalition agreement, the TMV warns against a politically motivated minimum wage of 15 euros and criticizes the lack of a concept against unfair competition. The stronger integration of mobility and SME support is viewed positively.

In a joint statement, TMV President Thomas Kroker (left) and TMV Chief Executive Patrick Meinhardt (right) provide an initial assessment of the coalition agreement. | Photo: Taxi and Rental Car Association of Germany e.V. (TMV)
In a joint statement, TMV President Thomas Kroker (left) and TMV Chief Executive Patrick Meinhardt (right) provide an initial assessment of the coalition agreement. | Photo: Taxi and Rental Car Association of Germany e.V. (TMV)

TMV President Thomas Kroker and TMV Chief Executive Officer Patrick Meinhardt have jointly provided an initial assessment of the coalition agreement of the new state government. The association recognizes some of its own demands in it but criticizes the lack of commitment in many statements.

Mobility Gains Stronger Political Anchoring

The TMV positively evaluates the establishment of an independent Ministry of Transport. This gives the issue of mobility more political space again. The association also welcomes the re-establishment of the Ministry of Economic Affairs as an independent entity with a clear distinction from the climate protection sector. From the TMV's perspective, this allows for a stronger focus on economic concerns.

Bureaucracy Reduction Remains Vague

In terms of reducing bureaucracy, the association sees a fundamentally correct direction but criticizes the lack of concreteness in the measures. The coalition agreement lists many initiatives but remains vague in many areas. However, this can also be seen as an opportunity to introduce one's own topics into the ongoing political process.

Focus on SMEs and Public Transport

Regarding the promotion of SMEs, the TMV notes that the coalition agreement contains numerous tax and economic policy measures that are fundamentally heading in the right direction. The association announces that it will continue to actively represent the interests of the SME-oriented industry. 

Another positive point from the TMV's perspective is the inclusion of a modernization pact for public transport (ÖPNV). Here, the association sees opportunities to strengthen its own projects, such as the inclusion taxi.

Technological Openness and E-Mobility

According to the TMV, the demand for technological openness has been incorporated into the coalition agreement as desired. Clear goals are also recognized in the promotion of e-mobility. It is, however, crucial that these goals are reliably implemented and not subject to short-term political changes.

Criticism of Possible Minimum Wage Increase

The association expresses clear criticism of the formulation in the coalition agreement regarding the increase of the minimum wage to 15 euros by 2026. According to the TMV, this leaves too much room for interpretation and increases uncertainty in the industry. The association fears that this could lead to an acceleration of the taxi industry's decline.

Lack of Statements on Competition Issues

According to the TMV, two central demands are not included in the coalition agreement: a nationwide concept against unfair competition and the comprehensive modernization of the Passenger Transport Act. The latter is already under evaluation, but a concrete anchoring in the coalition agreement is missing.

Conclusion: The TMV recognizes important impulses in the coalition agreement but overall sees too much vagueness in the political objectives. The association announces that it will use the coming years intensively to actively contribute its own positions and to seek constructive cooperation with the state government.

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