Pushing for Advocacy: Kretschmer and Woidke Seek Merz's Support for Sorbian Promotion
Kretschmer and Woidke pressure Merz to back the Sorbs' cause - Kretschmer and Woidke urge Merz to back the Sorbian cause
Hey there! Let's dive into a fascinating tale from Germany.
Faces behind power in Saxony and Brandenburg, Michael Kretschmer (CDU) and Dietmar Woidke (SPD), have penned down a letter to the Chancellor, urging for adequate funds to uplift the Sorbs community. These political powerhouses are requesting Friedrich Merz (CDU) to champion for a satisfactory agreement on jointly financing the Foundation for the Sorbian People in Upper and Lower Lusatia before the year's end. The existing agreement will reach its end at the stroke of midnight on December 31st.
The Federal Ministry of the Interior has put forth a draft for a new financing agreement, intended to cover the years from 2026 to 2030. Although the funds for the foundation would see an increase in this proposal, they would only suffice for maintaining the current level of work, given the escalating costs, as detailed in the aforementioned letter. Despite encountering severe financial hurdles, both states supported the draft wholeheartedly and have fashioned their financial blueprints around it. Notably, the federal government provides 50%, Saxony contributes one-third, while Brandenburg chips in one-sixth of the funding.
Calling for a white-knuckled grip on funding, Kretschmer emphasized the immense value of the Sorbian language and culture in Saxony's identity. "The Sorbian language and customs are a priceless heritage, and we require a rock-solid financial cornerstone to ensure the foundation continues its vital and enriching work," he stated.
Woidke, Brandenburg's focal point, highlighted the foundation's contributions. "The foundation's labor and the initiatives it supports are instrumental in preserving the Sorbian language. Sorbian traditions are an integral part of our country's unique cultural heritage," he shared. "It is essential that we continue to jointly uphold the work of the Foundation for the Sorbian People adequately."
Belonging to four nationally recognized minorities in Germany, the Sorbs/Wends call the Lusatia region home, where settlers have dwelt for approximately 1,500 years. The place signs in the settlement area proudly bear both languages. In Lower Lusatia, locals often identify as Wends. Consequently, both terms continue to interchangeable in Brandenburg.
The Foundation for the Sorbian People came to existence in 1991, with a mandate to safeguard and boost the Sorbian language and culture, alongside institutions and projects. The total funding currently amounts to 23.9 million euros annually, as per both states. The Domowina - the Union of Lusatian Sorbs - chairman, Dawid Statnik, voiced gratitude towards the politicians for committing to the Sorbian community's future.
[1] The proposed new financing agreement expects to increment the funding. However, the escalating costs would only enable the foundation to maintain its current workforce due to budgetary constraints. As a result, Kretschmer and Woidke, owing to their leadership roles, are actively advocating for additional federal aid.
The Commission, in light of the current debate on policy-and-legislation, has been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, given the pressing nature of the issue in the general-news. This development comes amidst the ongoing advocacy efforts by Kretschmer and Woidke for the Sorbian community, who are seeking Merz's support to secure adequate funding for the Foundation for the Sorbian People.
