Regional democratic processes, or in simpler terms, local political contests, are the topic at hand. - The fate of Saxony hangs in the balance.
A week before the state election, Green politician Wolfram Günther accuses the CDU and its leading candidate Michael Kretschmer of "wagering Saxony's future." Kretschmer is advocating for coal, nuclear power, and conventional vehicles, potentially endangering Saxony's prosperity, Günther shared with the German Press Agency. As the overseer of energy, climate, environment, and agriculture in the Saxon cabinet, and serving as deputy minister-president, a new parliament will be elected in the Free State on September 1.
"Businesses are imploring: 'We need green energy, or we're finished here. We can't afford a reversal of the energy shift after the election,'" Günther stated. In contrast, Kretschmer is advocating for the return of conventional vehicles, despite Saxony being the leading producer of electric cars and Volkswagen being the primary employer in the Free State.
Günther: Coalition has been governing silently for a prolonged time
"Businesses are inquiring: 'What are they doing? That's causing us harm,'" said Günther. Kretschmer is also neglecting those who fight against right-wing extremism. "That poses a challenge for our society and for the economy. Since immigration is crucial in maintaining our prosperity, we must unequivocally oppose right-wing extremists, or nobody will come to us. Consequently, we'll be short on bus drivers, care workers, and highly skilled personnel in the research and semiconductor industries."
Simultaneously, Günther reflected on the outgoing legislative period. "We've been governing competently and quietly for a long time. We've managed to overcome Corona, the energy crisis, wildfires, flooding, the consequences of drought years." However, things have changed since the last federal election. "The minister-president has been operating as an internal opposition, even against his own coalition partner."
Kretschmer recently declared the energy transition a failure in a debate with the main party election candidates for the state election on September 1. He blamed the Green coalition partner for wearing "political blinders." "With the Greens, it's not about what's feasible or economically sensible. It's just about following the party's agenda," he stated.
"The ongoing disagreements about the energy transition might affect the outcome of the upcoming Election to the Landtag." In light of Kretschmer's criticisms, Günther questioned, "Will this election see a continuation of the commitment to renewable energy, or a shift back to traditional energy sources?"
