Strong support for family businesses

The mood in the country is subdued. From the public’s perspective, the new federal government is currently rated only ‘adequate’ (4.1). Even amongst supporters of the governing parties, a critical view prevails.

This is the result of a recent public opinion survey commissioned by the Foundation for Family Businesses from the Allensbach Institute for Public Opinion Research. A total of 1,044 interviews were conducted with a representative cross-section of the population aged 16 and over. The survey builds in part on a study carried out by the Allensbach Institute last year on behalf of the Foundation for Family Businesses.

High expectations, little trust

The public has high expectations: securing pensions, tackling inflation and ensuring affordable housing are seen as particularly urgent issues. At the same time, there is little confidence that the government is making progress in these areas. It enjoys the highest level of confidence in the areas of the Bundeswehr and immigration – yet even here, scepticism prevails.

Concerns about competitiveness

Confidence in the strength of the German economy is waning. 54 percent have doubts about the competitiveness of German companies. The key measures seen as necessary to boost competitiveness are cutting red tape, education and research, digitalisation, and reducing the energy costs borne by businesses.

More market, less state

A clear majority are in favour of less state intervention. The state should set rules, but otherwise keep largely out of the economy.

Family businesses remain a source of trust

When it comes to safeguarding prosperity and jobs, confidence clearly lies with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and family-run businesses: 77 percent believe that family-run businesses are best placed to safeguard prosperity and jobs in the region. Large, widely held corporations, start-ups or
state-owned enterprises fare significantly worse.

Entrepreneurial profile – family businesses lead the way

Whilst the overall assessment of German companies is currently significantly more critical than last year, family-run businesses continue to enjoy a high reputation. They are regarded as guarantors of job security, as being mindful of tradition, forward-thinking and well-managed. The positive overall picture remains stable – and the proportion of positive attributes is well above that of companies in general.

The consistently high importance of family businesses

Almost nine out of ten citizens consider family businesses to be important or very important for the German economy. Interest in working for them remains high. At the same time, there has been a significant rise in the proportion of people who agree with the statement that family business owners should not be taxed more heavily.