President of the state parliament: "The role of parliament will be strengthened"

The President of Saxony's state parliament, Alexander Dierks (37), believes that the role of parliament has been strengthened by the new minority government. The coalition partners CDU and SPD have agreed on a consultation mechanism with the other parliamentary groups. "This will result in a much stronger debate on content than was previously the case," Dierks told the German Press Agency.

President calls for a fair culture of debate

It is his task to accompany this process with a fair culture of debate, emphasized the CDU politician, who acts neutrally in his office as President of the state parliament. "The trend towards soft focus should give way to a clear discussion about the best concepts and solutions for the country." The new government will submit draft laws and projects to the state parliament at an early stage. This will intensify the debate on content.

"The state parliament and each individual parliamentarian have a great responsibility. The volume of work for specialist politicians will increase. Every colleague will be responsible for proposing their own concepts in their area of expertise, thinking about their own priorities, promoting them and at the same time weighing up the proposals of others," said Dierks. This culture must be developed together.

President of the state parliament will be even more in demand as a moderator in future

"The non-partisan office puts the president of the state parliament even more in the role of a moderator," said Dierks. There will also no longer be clear majorities in the state parliament presidium in future, which will stimulate discussions. "That doesn't have to be a bad thing."

According to Dierks, the state parliament is a reflection of the social situation. "There are no longer any clear majorities due to the divisions and turmoil in society. That's why majorities have to be worked out on a case-by-case basis. This strengthens the weight of the substantive argument and the weight of the word. This can give a parliamentary democracy new vitality - if we take responsibility together."

Dierks was elected to office at the constituent session of the state parliament on October 1 with 97 out of a possible 119 votes. He had previously introduced himself to all parliamentary groups. "There was a decent tone and a fair discussion. I am a friend of clear words and pointed debate. But it must always remain fair. That will also be my guiding principle in the future."

Preserving the dignity and integrity of Parliament

As President of Parliament, he will continue to take a clear stance in future when it comes to the dignity and integrity of the House, said Dierks. This applies to compliance with the rules of procedure, but also with regard to the unwritten rules of respect and interaction. From the sessions of the state parliament so far, he has the impression that the parliamentary groups treat each other fairly.

"Politics and parliamentarianism are not halma. It is allowed to get down to business and have a clear exchange of blows," explained the President of the state parliament. However, you should never aim below the belt. "That is the standard and the basis of the debate that we adhere to. It has worked so far."

Dierks admitted that minority governments do not have a tradition in Germany. "I have found the honest effort to form a majority government to be the right one." However, an alliance between the CDU and the SPD and the Sahra Wagenknecht alliance ultimately failed due to issues that have little to do with Saxony. This reality must now be faced up to.

"It is now a matter of establishing a mechanism in which the majority is determined via upstream consultations. I think this is a smart idea and an opportunity to establish a new parliamentary culture and a shared sense of responsibility for stability in Saxony," said Dierks. Every member of parliament should accept this responsibility with an honest heart.