Kretschmer in favor of far-reaching changes in federal policy

After the difficult election results in Saxony and Thuringia, Saxony's Minister President Michael Kretschmer is calling for far-reaching changes in federal politics. "People are angry and disappointed with democracy. They are turning away and, especially in Thuringia, have to a large extent voted for parties that are supposed to teach Berlin politics a lesson," said Kretschmer as he arrived for consultations with the CDU leadership in Berlin. "And you ask yourself: when will this be heard here? When will it be understood?" he added with a view to the 2025 federal elections. "Our country is suffering great damage down this path," warned Kretschmer. Above all, he called for changes in migration and energy policy. A different opinion on the issue of arms deliveries to Ukraine must also be possible.

When asked about overlaps between the CDU and the Sahra Wagenknecht alliance, which the Christian Democrats are likely to rely on when forming governments in Saxony and Thuringia, Kretschmer expressed his confidence. "Not a single conversation has taken place yet and I always advise patience and prudence." If you focus on the interests of your own country, "it is certainly possible to find common ground. But it requires you to put both your own party and your own person on the back burner."

So-called "legroom" from Berlin is not necessary for this, said Kretschmer: "I don't need any legroom from Berlin, but we have always decided things on our own since the Saxon Union has existed. Nothing will change in that respect."