Federal budget under pressure: DZG warns of new cost shock

Taxes and social security contributions could be reduced in the
will increase noticeably in the coming years. This is the conclusion reached by the think tank
Future of the Hospitality World (DZG) in its new tax policy risk assessment for
the hospitality world (tourism, hospitality, foodservice & leisure industry). "Alone
the planned pension reform would increase social security contributions by at least two percent
rise. In combination with the agreed minimum wage increase,
which will lead to personnel cost increases of seven to eight
percent," says DZG board spokesman Dr. Marcel Klinge. Fearfully persecuted
the think tank also supports the ongoing debate on the economic meaningfulness of the
reduced VAT on food and accommodation. For example, the
Head of the Council of Economic Experts, Monika Schnitzer, recently abolished the gastro sales tax
as a "superfluous subsidy" and demanded its withdrawal.

Whether spouse splitting, craftsman services, company car privilege or reduced
VAT – according to current media reports, the Federal Ministry of Finance
concrete savings proposals in order to compensate for the growing holes in the federal budget.
close. "We hear everywhere that massive money will be invested in the coming years.
savings are to be made and subsidies have to come down. The coalition is under
massive pressure to act, so we should not make the mistake of thinking
that we are not threatened with hard cuts in the host world as well. That has nothing to do with
scaremongering, but with a realistic assessment of the situation. And
it is more tense – both economically and politically – than it has been for decades
more," explains the former member of the Bundestag.

Against this background, Klinge also refers to an explosive report from April
2026, which, on behalf of the Federal Minister of Finance, will reduce the most important
VAT rates: "Gastronomy and the hotel industry are catching up
and will be at the bottom of their economic impact
ranked. Such a study can very quickly be used politically as an argument for a
complete deletion."

Currently, political circles are also talking about a general
VAT reform is being discussed, in which food will be taxed at zero percent in the future
and in return the reduced rate to ten percent and the
regular tax rate will be raised to 20 percent. "Costs are rising, while
consumer spending and thus demand are falling. In this 'predicament' are
tax increases are not a good idea, because they lead to more consumer restraint and
lead to less growth," says Klinge.

However, it is not only in terms of tax policy that the hospitality world is threatened with potential adversity, but also
also with a view to the labour market. According to the current pension plans,
the so-called mini-jobs in their current form are effectively abolished
and full social security contributions for employees and employers will be payable in the future.
"Second jobs that the hospitality world is looking for with its seasonal, event and
weekend operation would become unattractive. For many
People would also lose an important additional source of income, for example for new
purchases, weekend trips and travel," says the former
Member of the Bundestag.

Against this background, Klinge suggests that the more than 80 political
associations and organisations of the host world to form a tax policy alliance
join forces. The aim must be to communicate with politicians and the public
to act as one and to ward off impending new burdens at an early stage.
Strategic alliances with the skilled trades, trade and trade are also conceivable.
of the culture and event industry.