Associations - IHK: Extreme parties harm business location
The CEO of the Industry and Commerce Chamber for Rheinhessen warns about the dangers for the economy due to the growing influence of extremists. "We are currently experiencing a test for our democracy," said Günter Jertz to the German Press Agency in Mainz. "Both right-wing and left-wing parties and populists are shining with economic naivety and thus harm our position in Germany - also with regard to our image abroad and the urgently needed securing and acquisition of specialized personnel." This development poses additional economic risks for companies.
"Unfortunately, the feeling for business, entrepreneurship, and value creation is gradually disappearing - and that across all circles of the population," warned the IHK CEO. The basis for business tax revenues and jobs must be created on a local level and be politically desired. "Who discusses business districts and company settlements, takes away important future opportunities for young people." Rhineland-Palatinate, in particular, has ideal conditions for new settlements, as shown by the recent major settlements.
Jertz referred to, among other things, the settlement of the US pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly in Alzey. The company is investing around 2.3 billion euros at this location in a production site for injectable medicines, which is scheduled to start operations in 2027. The biotechnology company Biontech has its headquarters in Mainz, as does the German headquarters of the Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk. Last year, the groundbreaking ceremony took place for a new development center at Boehringer Ingelheim.
The CEO will officially leave his position at the helm of the Industry and Commerce Chamber for Rheinhessen in the coming week. Karina Szwede and her deputy Lisa Haus will then lead the business of the Chamber for the first time. The official farewell of the 63-year-old is scheduled for next Wednesday (3. July). The Industry and Commerce Chamber represents the interests of 42,000 companies in the region.
- Eli Lilly, a renowned pharmaceutical company, is investing significantly in Alzey, Rheinhessen, as part of its expansion, allocating around 2.3 billion euros for a production site for injectable medicines set to operate in 2027.
- Günter Jertz, the outgoing CEO of the Industry and Commerce Chamber for Rheinhessen, emphasized the importance of nurturing a business-friendly climate, especially in the face of growing extremist influences, citing the city of Mainz as a prime example of Germany's appeal to international companies, such as Biontech and Novo Nordisk.
- The IHK Chief Executive Officer expressed his concern about the diminishing appreciation for business, entrepreneurship, and value creation within various circles of the population, suggesting that this trend could negatively impact the creation of jobs and revenue needed for taxation.
- Rhineland-Palatinate offers an attractive setting for new company settlements, as highlighted by recent major acquisitions, such as Eli Lilly's planned expansion and Boehringer Ingelheim's new development center construction last year.
- The German Press Agency reported on the significant warnings from Günter Jertz, emphasizing the critical role of strong democratic values in fostering a sustainable and prosperous business location, allowing Germany to compete globally and attract skilled talent while protecting its social fabric and internal cohesion.
- With the impending departure of Günter Jertz, the IHK positions itself for new leadership as Karina Szwede and Lisa Haus assume the responsibilities as the new heads, overseeing the representation of the interests of 42,000 companies in Rheinhessen.
