TMV meets Vice Chancellor Klingbeil – and calls for more speed in political decisions

Patrick Meinhardt, Chief Executive Officer of the German Taxi and Rental Car Association (TMV), met with the new Federal Minister of Finance and SPD Chairman Lars Klingbeil for a personal exchange. A conversation that the association considers an important step towards better cooperation between the industry and politics – and that shows how much the trade wants to make itself heard in times of digital platform economy and growing regulation.

The Chief Executive Officer of TMV, Patrick Meinhardt (left), met Lars Klingbeil in Berlin.| Photo: TMV
The Chief Executive Officer of TMV, Patrick Meinhardt (left), met Lars Klingbeil in Berlin.| Photo: TMV

Already at the inauguration, the TMV officially congratulated the new head of department – now followed the direct dialogue. Meinhardt emphasized what is important to him and the association:

“Reliable framework conditions, fair taxation, good wages, less bureaucracy – these are not luxury demands, but prerequisites for fair competition.”

The conversation with Klingbeil should not remain an exception: Regular exchange with the Federal Ministry of Finance is expressly desired – on both sides.

Constructive and Critical

That critical tones are also not left out was made clear by Meinhardt. They will not shy away from addressing grievances—with clarity, but respectfully. For the TMV, Meinhardt said, political debate is not a contact sport, but a question of attitude:

"We stand for the values of the respectable merchant. Therefore, for us, a constructive tone is just as important as clearly representing our concerns."

One of the first concrete topics was the question of equal treatment of taximeters and odometers in the context of the Cash Security Ordinance. After months of radio silence from the ministry, the TMV sees the quick response of a state secretary as at least a sign of new beginnings—even if the actual solution now requires the coordination of several ministries. After all, the dialogue has been initiated.

Contribute – rather than just react

Meinhardt also took the opportunity to make a fundamental request to the minister: Associations like the TMV do not just want to submit statements when a draft is already in place. They want to be involved in the legislative processes earlier – as practical advisors. Because often, as experience shows, invitations come late, decision deadlines are tight, and feedback is scarce.

The industry, as this meeting made clear, no longer wants to just react – it wants to contribute. And it expects that political decisions will not only be digitally accelerated but also in reality.

 

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