Freie Wähler on the economy

The Free Voters want to keep Bavaria as an industrial and technology hub and prevent key industries from leaving. At the same time, Bavaria is to become Europe's leading location for founders, with more start-up funding and less red tape.

The Free Voters want to keep industry in Bavaria. Important companies should not move away. New companies should get more help and money. There should be less red tape.

Industries such as chemicals, automotive, microelectronics and pharmaceuticals are to stay in Bavaria, and key technologies are to be brought back. Products like medicines and protective clothing would again be made in Germany, and raw material partnerships abroad would be expanded. Start-up funding would rise, especially for young social enterprises, and regional founder networks would get support. The platform also calls for more flexible working hours within EU law and a major reduction in bureaucracy. Basic public services are to remain in public hands, and business support is to come from a single source.

The Free Voters want to promote sustainable tourism, expand public tourism infrastructure and give tax relief to people working in the sector. They want to counter the decline of rural inns.

The Free Voters want to strengthen tourism in Bavaria. Tourism workers should pay less tax. Inns in the countryside should survive. There should be more buses and trains in vacation areas.

Following Austria's example, employer-provided housing for tourism workers would be tax-free, as would a 13th and 14th monthly salary. Working hours would become more flexible as far as EU law allows. The platform commits to year-round tourism, including competitive winter tourism. Public transit in tourist regions is to grow, along with accessibility and digital services. Tourism is to remain compatible with nature and quality of life.