Kretschmer calls for a cross-party approach

Saxony's Minister President Michael Kretschmer (CDU) has called for cross-party solutions to key issues. "It is time to act. Germany must now find solutions to a few key issues that are really shaking up this country - major cross-party solutions," he said on Saturday at a party conference of the Saxon CDU/CSU in Löbau. He cited migration and energy policy as examples.

Then people's trust would be regained, he continued. Social peace must be restored, he said. Among other things, Kretschmer spoke out in favor of deporting violent foreign criminals.

At the party conference, the Saxon CDU wants to decide on the government program for the new legislative period. A new state parliament will be elected in Saxony on September 1. The CDU was severely defeated by the AfD in the European and local elections a week ago.

Kretschmer reaffirmed his party's desire to continue governing the state as it has for the past 34 years. He wanted to form a government without the Greens, he said, earning applause. At the same time, he warned against the AfD. These people should not be left in charge. The CDU/CSU is declaring war on all extremists.