welt.de
Insolvency filings in Saxony-Anhalt surge in first half of 2025
Insolvency filings in Saxony-Anhalt significantly increased in the first half of 2025, affecting nearly 3,900 employees, mainly due to the insolvency of Pfeiffer'sche Stiftungen, a large healthcare provider, while experts debate whether this signals broader deindustrialization.
- What are the potential long-term consequences of this trend, and what measures might be necessary to mitigate future economic risks?
- The long-term consequences remain uncertain. While the IWH currently downplays concerns of widespread deindustrialization, continued high energy prices and economic uncertainty pose ongoing risks. The situation highlights the vulnerability of the regional economy to external shocks and the need for proactive policies to support businesses and mitigate future insolvencies.
- What is the main cause for the significant rise in insolvency filings affecting employees in Saxony-Anhalt during the first half of 2025?
- The primary driver appears to be the insolvency of Pfeiffer'sche Stiftungen, a major healthcare provider in Magdeburg employing approximately 2,000 people. This insolvency, along with a general increase in bankruptcies following pandemic-era lows, contributed to the surge, affecting nearly 3,900 employees in the first half of 2025.
- How do experts assess the implications of this rise in insolvencies for the broader economic situation in Saxony-Anhalt, particularly regarding potential deindustrialization?
- While the increase in insolvencies is significant, with numbers exceeding those of 2024, the head of insolvency research at the Halle Institute for Economic Research (IWH) notes that industrial job losses remain low, similar to pre-pandemic levels. The IWH attributes the rise partly to a post-pandemic catch-up effect, high energy prices, and the war in Ukraine.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a somewhat biased framing by prominently featuring Sahra Wagenknecht's statement blaming the federal government's economic policies for the increase in insolvencies. While this perspective is included, the counter-argument from the IWH, downplaying concerns of deindustrialization, is also presented. However, Wagenknecht's strong accusations are given more emphasis in the initial paragraphs, potentially influencing the reader's initial perception.
Language Bias
The language used contains some loaded terms. Describing the economic policy as "completely absurd" is a subjective judgment. The use of words like "würgen" (to choke) to describe the impact of high energy costs and bureaucracy is emotionally charged. The phrase "trauriger Rekord" (sad record) also carries a strong emotional tone. Neutral alternatives could be: Instead of "completely absurd," use "controversial." Instead of "würgen," use "negatively affect." Instead of "trauriger Rekord," use "significant increase.
Bias by Omission
The article omits a deeper exploration of the specific factors contributing to the insolvencies beyond high energy costs and bureaucracy. While these are mentioned, other potential factors such as global economic conditions, internal management issues within the affected companies, or changes in market demand are not discussed. This omission could lead to an incomplete understanding of the situation.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat false dichotomy by juxtaposing Wagenknecht's strong condemnation of government policy with the IWH's more nuanced perspective. It simplifies a complex issue by suggesting only two opposing viewpoints, potentially neglecting other contributing factors or perspectives.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article directly addresses SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by highlighting a significant increase in the number of employees affected by insolvency proceedings in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. This rise in unemployment and business failures negatively impacts decent work and economic growth in the region. The insolvency of a major healthcare provider further underscores the severity of the situation and its ramifications on employment. The quote by Sahra Wagenknecht blaming government economic policies for the situation also directly relates to the goal of sustainable economic growth.