German business leaders call for swift coalition formation after election win

German business leaders are calling for a quick formation of a new ruling coalition following the conservative election win on February 23, 2025. They emphasize the need for urgent reforms to address the country's economic challenges, including a manufacturing slowdown. Friedrich Merz, the election winner, aims to build a stable coalition to revive the economy. His plans include lowering business taxes and reducing bureaucracy, but forming a government may take weeks or months, delaying policymaking. The previous government faced political paralysis, hindering necessary reforms. Business leaders warn that ongoing uncertainty could further impact investment and competitiveness, as Germany grapples with issues like infrastructure decay and high energy prices.