Sorbs expect clear commitment from new government

The Association of Lusatian Sorbs (Domowina) expects a clear commitment and concrete pledges for the Sorbian people from a new government in Saxony. "Domowina demands that the coalition defines and records binding steps in the coalition agreement. These should go beyond general commitments and guarantee rights at all levels - up to the state, district and municipal level," emphasized Domowina Chairman Dawid Statnik.

Sorbians criticize shortcomings in education

According to the Domowina head, the state government must actively support the Sorbian people in protecting their language and culture. The measures announced and taken in recent years do not meet expectations, especially in the area of education. "The lack of teachers is jeopardizing the teaching of Sorbian. Despite the measures that have been introduced, there is a lack of long-term security," it said.

Sorbians see achievements threatened by right-wing extremists and populists

"The results of the 2024 state elections and the strengthening of right-wing extremist and populist parties are a cause for concern for Domowina. The linguistic and cultural achievements of recent years are under threat. These current developments show that the protection of Sorbian identity, language and culture cannot be taken for granted," Domowina stated for the record. Around 60,000 Sorbs, a national minority of Slavic origin, live in eastern Saxony and southern Brandenburg.

In the state elections on September 1, the CDU was the strongest party in Saxony with 31.9 percent of the vote, ahead of the AfD (30.6 percent). As the CDU categorically rules out an alliance with the AfD and the Left Party, only an alliance between the CDU, BSW and SPD is an option for a majority government. A continuation of the current coalition of CDU, Greens and SPD is not enough.