Over in Saxony, CDU leader Michael Kretschmer voiced his disapproval towards the "traffic light" coalition's 2024 budget agreement, labeling it as lackluster and lacking a positive influence on growth and confidence. Kretschmer, expressing his thoughts to the German Press Agency in Dresden, accused the coalition of meandering without a clear vision for the economy.
The CDU chief targeted specific federal government policies, such as the Supply Chain Act and Working Hours Act, as inhibiting growth. Kretschmer believed that tackling economic challenges with more debt or new tax revenues would only exacerbate matters. Instead, he argued that Germany needed more freedom to establish a different economic dynamic, accompanied by politicians wielding greater trust.
Green federal minister of agriculture Cem Özdemir shared similar concerns about potential agricultural savings within the budget for 2024. Özdemir warned against placing too much pressure on the agricultural sector, while Michael Kretschmer agreed with his sentiments.
The Statesman of Saxony also lamented the lack of a decision from the coalition on migration, an issue that Olaf Scholz, the federal chancellor, had hinted at addressing but failed to deliver on substantially.
As for Volkswagen's (VW) restructuring plans, Kretschmer criticized the company's job cuts and plant closures in Saxony, specifically at the Zwickau plant and the Gläserne Manufaktur in Dresden. Kretschmer emphasized the need for VW to take responsibility and support regional economic development, as the current restructuring plans were insufficient and merely demoralized workers. These issues, coupled with the impact of VW's "Future Contract" on Saxony, may influence the 2024 budget agreement and require additional funding to support affected workers and regions.
