Kretschmer: Danger of ungovernability after state elections

Saxony's Minister President Michael Kretschmer sees the danger of the state becoming ungovernable after the state elections on September 1. "I am warning of Thuringian conditions", the CDU politician told the "Deutsche Handwerks Zeitung" (Wednesday).

The past five years have been extremely difficult for the neighboring federal state. "This should not be the Saxon way." With regard to the mood of protest, Kretschmer, who is head of the Saxon Union, said: "The best way to defend democracy is to show that it works."

Kretschmer recommended "clarifying the issues that are most pressing from the point of view of the population". This is the "most convincing means against radical parties." The NPD, Republicans and DVU had lost support when the breeding ground for protest potential was removed. "And the terms of reference are clearly described."

The federal government had led the country into a recession and was unwilling to reach a social consensus on issues such as migration or energy policy. "But people expect solutions," he said. "By refusing to do so, the traffic lights are guilty and bear great responsibility for the mood of protest in the country."