Saxony gets a new "ambassador" to the federal government

Markus Franke will head the representation of the Free State of Saxony to the federal government. The 46-year-old was entrusted with this task by Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer (CDU) and will take up his post on Saturday, the State Chancellery in Dresden announced. Franke succeeds Conrad Clemens, who serves as Minister of Culture in Kretschmer's new cabinet.

Markus Franke previously headed the Art Department at the Ministry of Science, Culture and Tourism in Dresden. He previously worked as office manager and head of protocol for Kretschmer and his predecessor Stanislaw Tillich (CDU). He has already gained experience in federal politics at the Federal Chancellery and the Federal Ministry of the Interior.

"Close cooperation with the federal government and the other federal states is of enormous importance for the Free State of Saxony. Saxony needs a strong voice in Berlin in order to be able to represent its interests effectively," emphasized Kretschmer. At the same time, the state representation is an important showcase for Saxon art, culture, tourism and business in the capital.