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The Deutsche Bahn may face significant changes following the upcoming federal elections, as the conservative Union party, led by potential Chancellor Friedrich Merz, proposes a radical restructuring of the state-owned corporation. This plan focuses on separating the operational side of the railway system from its infrastructure, raising concerns among employees and unions about job security and service reliability.
The Union has been advocating for a thorough overhaul of the railway system for some time, arguing that the current structure, which integrates both operations and infrastructure, is inefficient. The party's leadership believes that a clear division would allow for better management and improved performance across the rail network.
Recent statements from Ulrich Lange, the deputy leader of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group responsible for transport, emphasized the need for a significant transformation. He stated that the Deutsche Bahn must be 'turned upside down' to achieve necessary improvements. The Union's vision includes dissolving various subsidiaries and restructuring the rail network into a government-owned entity, which would provide the federal government with enhanced oversight and control over railway infrastructure investments.
In response to these proposals, the railway and transport union, EVG, has organized protests in Berlin, warning that such a divide would pose a 'fundamental threat to jobs.' Union leaders argue that the changes could undermine the stability of employment and lead to worse service for passengers.
Transport Minister Volker Wissing has cautioned against the Union's approach, arguing that while the theory behind separating operations from infrastructure may be sound, it does not address the current urgent issues of dilapidated infrastructure. He warned that discussions on restructuring the railway could hinder ongoing repair efforts and distract from immediate needs.
Despite the Union's proposals, railway executives appear to be taking a more measured stance, suggesting that any drastic changes may not materialize as quickly as envisioned. Observers note that the Union currently lacks a clear coalition partner willing to support such extensive reforms, as both the Social Democrats and the Greens have expressed skepticism about the idea of dismantling the current structure.
There have already been minor reforms implemented under the previous government, merging various subsidiaries to improve efficiency and focus on public welfare rather than profit. Critics, however, argue that these changes have not sufficiently addressed the underlying issues within the organization.
Experts in the field, such as Christian Böttger from the Berlin School of Economics and Law, suggest that while a complete separation of the operational and infrastructure components may be beneficial in the long term, it may not be feasible to implement a full restructuring immediately. Böttger advocates for a more gradual approach that increases transparency and oversight without fully dismantling the existing system.
Concerns also linger regarding the future of the Deutsche Bahn's leadership. The current CEO, Richard Lutz, who has been in office since 2017, faces scrutiny over the organization's declining performance and reliability. As public dissatisfaction grows, some insiders speculate that a change in leadership may be forthcoming, particularly if the Union forms the next government.
In conclusion, the potential restructuring of the Deutsche Bahn remains a contentious topic as the elections approach. With competing visions for the future of Germany's railway system, the outcome will likely have lasting implications for both the industry and its workforce.
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