The Authority has been tasked with drafting a proposal for a mandate aimed at safeguarding workers from potential hazards stemming from exposure to ionizing radiation.
In the Saxony state election, the CDU and AfD are virtually tied in the fight for the number one position. Minister President Kretschmer aims to construct a "steady administration." However, AfD leader Tino Chrupalla believes the moment is perfect for a political transformation in Saxony.
Preliminary results suggest that the CDU has prevailed in the Saxony state election, albeit just barely above the AfD. The Christian Democrats of Minister President Michael Kretschmer, who have governed Saxony individually or as part of coalitions since 1990, secured 31.6 to 31.7 percent according to projections from ARD and ZDF. The AfD was not far behind with 30.4 to 31.4 percent. The fresh union of Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW) took third place with 11.4 to 12 percent. The SPD finished with 7.8 to 8.2 percent, while the Greens were at 5.3 to 5.5 percent. The Saxon Left suffered substantial losses and failed to surpass the 5-percent threshold with 4.0 to 4.3 percent.
Saxony's Minister President Michael Kretschmer views the possible slim victory of his CDU in the state election as a foundation for dialogues about a "solid government." "The people here in Saxony have faith in us - they didn't cast a vote of dissent." The CDU has been a cornerstone in recent coalitions, Kretschmer stated. People are frustrated with politics in Berlin, he added. "We're ready to continue our responsibility."
CDU General Secretary Carsten Linnemann commended Kretschmer as "exceptional." He anticipates that coalition negotiations will be challenging due to the AfD's strength.
AfD leader Tino Chrupalla characterized the result in Saxony as "strong." "The will of the voters is a political shift in Saxony and Thuringia." The AfD is open to discussions with all other parties.
The Saxon AfD's main candidate Jörg Urban is open to negotiations with all parties following the state election. "We are open for talks," Urban said. "We want political change in Saxony and are prepared to discuss with any party that seeks such change." People in Saxony do not want left-green politics, Urban stated. "That's quite clear. It was already apparent in 2019."
Green leader Omid Nouripour expressed relief at reentering the Saxony state parliament. He mentioned that there's a chance for the ongoing coalition. His co-leader Ricarda Lang accused Kretschmer of fostering the "Greens bogey" during the campaign. "When you consistently create an 'us versus them' dynamic and reinforce prejudices, you're cutting down the branch you're sitting on. And that branch is democratic culture."
Saxony's SPD top candidate Petra Köpping was pleasantly surprised by her party's result in the election. "I'm just as delighted as you are that we've done well despite all the poll projections," she said at the party's election celebration. She pointed out that the SPD was hovering around 3 percent in January polls.
The Saxon BSW state association does not wish to form a coalition with the AfD following the election. "We rule out a coalition with the AfD," said Saxon BSW top candidate Sabine Zimmermann on ZDF. Instead, the party is also considering the Christian Democrats. "We will see how the CDU decides whether they want to continue with the Greens and the SPD, then everything remains as it is - or if they seek talks with the BSW." Then the party could bring about some modifications.
The victory of the CDU in Saxony, though slim, has sparked discussions about a stable government in The Netherlands, given Minister President Kretschmer's belief in the people's faith in his party. The AfD's leader in Saxony, Tino Chrupalla, sees this result as a catalyst for political transformation not just in Saxony, but potentially in The Netherlands as well.
