East German states demand more influence

In view of the great dissatisfaction of many citizens and strong AfD results, the East German states are calling for a greater voice and influence in federal politics. This includes "appropriate representation of eastern Germany in the new federal government" as well as a commissioner for eastern Germany with cabinet rank, according to a resolution passed by the minister presidents of Thuringia, Saxony-Anhalt, Saxony, Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Berlin.

At a conference in Berlin, they also called for an investment offensive in their states, including with the help of the 500 billion euro pot for infrastructure. "The special fund must be made available to the federal states quickly and unbureaucratically," said the Chairman of the Eastern Minister Presidents' Conference, Thuringia's Prime Minister Mario Voigt. "And the states must then be able to decide how to use it according to their respective priorities."

"Regaining people's trust"

The CDU politician said that the East had good experience with accelerated planning for transport routes, and that we could learn from this. "If we follow this approach, we could actually have horsepower on the road here in six months' time." People in both the East and the West had lost trust in politics. This means "that we have to win back people's trust through action".

The AfD was the strongest party in the federal elections in all of the eastern German states. In surveys, many East Germans express dissatisfaction with political and economic developments. For years, there have been complaints about the lack of East Germans in leadership positions. For example, there is no longer anyone from East Germany on the presidium of the new Bundestag.

One fifth of the cabinet

Brandenburg's Minister President Dietmar Woidke said that at least one fifth of the posts in the new federal cabinet should be filled by East Germans. "This figure does not solve all the problems we have with the under-representation of East Germans in leadership positions," said the SPD politician. "But it is an important symbol."

Berlin's Governing Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) said: "The most important thing is that the cabinet actually reflects our society, our country. Of course, East German biographies and East German voices must also be included."

Customs dispute causes concern

With regard to the customs dispute with the USA, Voigt expressed concern. Head of government Manuela Schwesig (SPD) from Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania also warned: "This is an issue, and unfortunately it is also having a direct impact on the ground." In her federal state, for example, an automotive supplier is affected. "We are very concerned that jobs are being cut."

Schwesig named the continuation of regional economic development and the reduction of energy costs as important issues in eastern Germany for overcoming the economic slump in the Federal Republic. She also insisted that a "Germany turbo" should now be launched with the large sums of billions for infrastructure.

More doctors in the countryside

As a guest at the conference, Ralf-Uwe Bauer, President of the East Thuringia Chamber of Industry and Commerce, emphasized the "extremely positive economic experiences" in East Germany since 1990. Nevertheless, mandatory tasks must be solved politically. "These include the issues of reducing bureaucracy, energy, labor costs and many, many more," said Bauer.

In their resolution, the East German minister presidents also advocated ensuring comprehensive medical care in rural areas. To this end, rural doctor quotas should be better utilized and expanded.