Christoph Ahlhaus, chairman of the German Association of Small and Medium-Sized Businesses and a member of the CDU, has written a strongly worded letter to Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The letter expresses his “utter dismay” at the state of Germany’s economy. Ahlhaus is thus making it publicly clear that small and medium-sized businesses consider Merz’s economic policies dangerous for their companies. (focus: 07.02.26)
Outrage over Merz’s policies: Small and medium-sized businesses are losing patience
Ahlhaus recalls that many business owners had looked to the end of the coalition government with great hope. They had also placed their hopes on the economic turnaround promised by Merz. However, from the association’s perspective, these expectations have been dashed because the situation has not improved.
In his letter, Ahlhaus is particularly blunt, setting a stark timeline. He writes to Merz: “Not even nine months after your election as Chancellor, this euphoria has given way to sheer horror at the state of Germany’s economy.” This places Merz not in the role of savior, but in the role of the one responsible.
Poll results as a vote of no confidence in the Chancellor
Ahlhaus bases his attack on a survey of 1,200 companies conducted by an industry association. 64 percent stated that they no longer believe “that the promised economic turnaround will succeed.” This renders Merz’s central promise an empty phrase for many businesses.
The second figure is even harsher, as it directly targets Merz’s governing style. According to the survey, 79 percent no longer perceive “even a ‘committed effort’ by the federal government” to address the problems of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Ahlhaus writes that such figures “have never been recorded before,” and this is a predictable outrage.
In his letter, Ahlhaus also attacks the political spectacle, citing a lack of results. He criticizes “PR summits and placebo discussion rounds” and demands decisions that will provide relief to businesses. Merz must use his “authority to issue directives for urgently needed reforms,” and this must be visibly reflected in the day-to-day operations of companies.
ZDF appearance: A declaration of loyalty, but maximum pressure
On Friday, Ahlhaus appeared on the “heute journal” news program, and he seemed composed. “I am very loyal to this federal government and to the Chancellor,” he said, because there is “no alternative to the success of this federal government.” Nevertheless, he justified his open letter with a sentence that sounded like a political jab: “Among loyal friends, you sometimes have to give them a little push.”
Ahlhaus claims that the measures taken so far primarily benefit industry. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), “far too little and far too slowly” is being done, he says, thus openly questioning Merz’s priorities. He also announces his intention to continue “putting his finger on the wound” so that the pressure does not dissipate.
Connemann in the Crosshairs, VDA Responds Sharply
The passage about Gitta Connemann, the Federal Government’s Commissioner for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs), is particularly explosive. Ahlhaus writes: “German SMEs have neither the bare minimum of trust in Gitta Connemann nor any presumption of her competence.” At the same time, he calls on Merz to “critically examine this appointment,” because he portrays the interface as blocked.
Connemann was recently in the spotlight when her SME and Economic Union (MIT) demanded the abolition of so-called “lifestyle part-time work.” But Ahlhaus shows that symbolic debates are not enough for him, because businesses expect concrete relief. He therefore also says on ZDF: “But things have to get started now.”
VDA President Hildegard Müller reacts with “great surprise,” and she clearly stands behind Connemann. The VDA perceives her “as a committed politician who is always interested in the challenges facing SMEs.” Furthermore, it states that she is one of the strongest representatives of the Federal Government “with high competence and positive argumentativeness” and is an “important, reliable and above all competent contact person”.