Schneider: East is ahead in many areas

The Commissioner for the East, Carsten Schneider (SPD), has called for a more differentiated view of the East. In recent years, the media have often reported on what is negative nationwide, said the SPD politician on Tuesday in Berlin after consultations with the state government of Saxony-Anhalt.

A new look is necessary, said Schneider. The East is in many areas ahead, "especially in terms of energy supply." But this also applies, for example, to childcare, he said. "This is something that Germany still has to take note of much more than something we have achieved together."

Saxony-Anhalt will take over the chairmanship of the Conference of Minister Presidents East in December. Head of government Reiner Haseloff (CDU) announced that he wants to use the time for a "charm offensive East". The goal is to focus on the advantages of the location, Haseloff said. Instead of constantly holding discussions about deficits, opportunities and strengths must be highlighted.