Government formation: Kretschmer calls for several ministerial posts for the East

Saxon Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer demands that several ministerial posts of a black and red coalition be filled with East German politicians. The East “has to be represented with federal ministers in the next federal government. There is no other way,” said the deputy CDU federal chairman of the German Press Agency in Berlin. The “also demands this big area with its special challenges”.

“The proportion of the population should also be reflected in the federal government in percentage,” said Kretschmer, the member of the CDU, CSU and SPD’s core negotiation team through a new government. “Several federal ministers from the new federal states” are needed. When asked whether black and red will arrive from three ministers from East of Germany in view of 15 ministries so far, Kretschmer replied: “Why should you sell yourself under value?”

Praise for work by Schneider and Geywitz

Kretschmer praises the work of the Ampel government from Thuringia, Carsten Schneider, and Potsdam Minister of Construction Klara Geywitz (both SPD) from Potsdam. Schneider, the Minister of State in the Chancellery, “did a great job” and was always available regardless of his party affiliation. Geywitz is “the smartest woman in the cabinet”. The CDU politician added: “I was very happy to have her and also appreciated her professionalism.”

The future Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) must decide whether there will be an East Representative in the Chancellery, if there are several ministers from East Germany, Kretschmer said. In the east, the desire to be represented with federal ministers in the cabinet is noticeable. The large popular parties CDU and SPD “have to deliver that”. There are many personalities who were eligible for such ministerial posts.

For drastic reduction in the number of government officers

Merz had called for a reduction in the state apparatus in the election campaign and, in this context, also mentioned the Federal Government’s representatives. These only promise the solution of problems “which we would not have without them”. At that time, Merz called a number of 34 representatives.

Kretschmer also spoke out for a drastic reduction in the number of representatives in a future government. “If you have one or two representatives, it shows that you set priorities that things are important to you. If you have 10 or 20, it is an inflation.”

In order to reduce the emigration from East German countries and offer incentives for young people, the Union wants to expand medical infrastructure and science, said Kretschmer. This also applies to the transport infrastructure, such as the express train connections.

Dealing with AfD: Don’t make a martyr

When asked what tips he had for dealing with the AfD in the Bundestag, which, after the election, represents the second largest parliamentary group in parliament, said Kretschmer, especially problems would now have to be solved. That starts with migration and economic policy. But it is also about the question of how wind energy is being expanded. The problems would have to be solved wisely and in consensus with the population. At the same time, everything must be avoided “which means that this group can represent itself as a martyr”.