photo: trainphotographyde / Flickr/DB train in Frankfurt, Germany
CDU/CSU leader Friedrich Merz has proposed a bold split of Deutsche Bahn’s infrastructure and operations. Is German rail headed for a transformation?
During a recent meeting with economic journalists in Hamburg, Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany’s opposition CDU/CSU bloc and candidate for chancellor, called for a major overhaul of Deutsche Bahn (DB). He criticized the viability of DB’s integrated model and pledged to separate its infrastructure divisions—DB InfraGo, DB Station & Service, and DB Energy—from rail operations like DB and DB Cargo.
This proposal aligns with a CDU/CSU parliamentary resolution passed in March 2024, which was rejected by the ruling coalition and other opposition parties.
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A New Ownership Structure for DB
According to DVZ, Merz outlined a plan to restructure DB’s ownership, which involves reorganizing its 740 diverse company shares while keeping the rail network under state control. His vision includes opening the network to competition, though he acknowledged the process would be lengthy and challenging for the company.
Merz criticized the government’s approach of allocating road toll revenues to rail projects, opposing the cross-subsidization of transport modes. He advocated for transparency in funding usage and pointed out the need to attract private capital for infrastructure projects, as public funds alone won’t suffice for ambitious plans.
Unlike the current government, Merz opposes loosening Germany’s constitutional debt brake, which limits federal borrowing. He firmly believes in maintaining this fiscal restraint.
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Digitalization and Transportation Policy
Merz also highlighted the fragmentation of responsibilities for Germany’s digitalization, calling for a centralization of authority under a dedicated Ministry for Digitalization. He argued that such a move is essential for advancing digital infrastructure and efficiency.
Who Is Friedrich Merz?
Merz has led the CDU since 2022, with a political career spanning roles in the Bundestag and the European Parliament. Known for his conservative stance and expertise in financial management, he previously chaired the supervisory board of BlackRock’s European operations. His portfolio includes supervisory roles at major companies like Stadler Rail, Deutsche Börse, AXA, BASF, Cologne/Bonn Airport, and Commerzbank.
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Source: Spolkový sněm, Deutsche Verkehrszeitung DVZ