BSW proposes promotion scout for Saxon companies

The Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) wants to make funding programs for Saxon companies more transparent and easier to access. The BSW is therefore proposing a "funding scout". It could provide bundled information online or also support companies with personnel to find the right funding programs and then advise them on how to apply, says Sabine Zimmermann, head of the BSW in Saxony, to the German Press Agency in Dresden.

Funding programs often too complicated

Funding is an established instrument for strengthening the economy in Saxony. "However, the problem is that there is a proliferation of different funding sources and programs and applications are becoming increasingly complicated," argues Zimmermann. It is unacceptable that smaller companies cannot access the funding pots simply because they are too hidden or the application process has too many hurdles.

Reducing bureaucratic hurdles is an important demand in the BSW's economic policy, Zimmermann continued. "With every alleged bureaucracy reduction law passed by previous governments, bureaucracy has increased, not decreased. This is why the Saxon Regulatory Control Council must be given more powers again in order to actually ensure a reduction in bureaucracy during the legislative process."

Complaints about too much bureaucracy are omnipresent

The Regulatory Control Council - an independent body that supports the Saxon government in implementing measures to reduce bureaucracy and improve legislation - had recently identified an increase in state bureaucracy and the associated additional costs. Last year, the government had already announced its intention to realign its funding policy and was advised by a commission of experts. It came to the conclusion that there are around 200 funding programs in the state, which is too many. The experts recommended a reduction to a maximum of 80. In addition to the Saxony Economic Development Corporation, the Chambers of Industry and Commerce and the Chambers of Crafts also offer advice on funding.

BSW rejects lignite phase-out before 2038

The Sahra Wagenknecht alliance also has its own ideas on energy supply, which are similar to those of the CDU. "We reject an exit from the use of lignite in Saxony before 2038," says Zimmermann. Abandoning fossil energy sources could only take place depending on the availability of renewable energy sources. "We will again base our energy policy in Saxony on the needs of businesses and the population - while at the same time aiming to reduce CO2 emissions. In doing so, we are promoting the expansion of electricity generation from renewable energy sources - also as a basis for green hydrogen." However, coal and natural gas are still necessary for a secure energy supply for Saxon companies.