Saxony’s Minister President Michael Kretschmer has criticized part-time work and advocated for more full-time employment in Germany. He believes that the country’s prosperity can only be maintained with a “40-hour work week for all.” Kretschmer expressed his disappointment with the current federal government, stating that the people are deeply disappointed. He believes that it was a mistake to make part-time options the legally secured norm, as he views part-time work as an exception rather than a rule necessary to maintain Germany’s prosperity, which includes fundamental goods such as free education, internal security, as well as pension, health, and care insurances. Kretschmer also opposed the idea of a basic income, stating that those who contribute more should be able to retain more, and criticized the federal government for increasing dependency on the welfare state.
Kretschmer emphasized the need to move away from excessive state intervention and towards freedom, individual responsibility, and reducing bureaucracy. He believes that only through consistency can the German economy regain momentum. The Minister President expressed his dissatisfaction with the current federal government, stating that the people are deeply disappointed. He has long advocated for addressing problems collectively but claims that the federal government consistently rejects this approach, whether in migration or energy policy, despite the willingness of states to cooperate. Kretschmer believes that the next federal government will be led by CDU leader Friedrich Merz as Chancellor, with the party’s new core program focusing on freedom and performance. The party’s redefined values, including a commitment to a guiding culture and migration policy, are being recognized by the public.
Kretschmer stressed the importance of growth and full employment to overcome the crisis, asserting that the 40-hour work week for all is essential. He believes that allowing part-time work to become the norm was a mistake and that maintaining Germany’s prosperity requires a return to full-time employment. Kretschmer also highlighted the detrimental impact of the federal government’s approach to welfare, stating that it leads to increased dependency. He called for a shift away from excessive state control towards individual freedom and responsibility, along with a significant reduction in bureaucracy to revive the economy. The Minister President expressed his disappointment with the federal government, noting that they consistently reject collaborative problem-solving approaches, despite the willingness of states to work together.
Kretschmer criticized the federal government’s approach to social welfare, arguing that the state can no longer afford all the benefits provided. He called for a change from micro-management by the state towards more freedom and individual responsibility. The Minister President believes that only through a consistent approach can the German economy regain its strength. He expressed frustration with the federal government’s reluctance to address issues collectively, despite states extending their hands for collaboration. Kretschmer believes that the CDU will lead the next federal government under Friedrich Merz’s leadership, with a focus on freedom and performance highlighted in the party’s new core program. The Minister President highlighted the public’s recognition of the party’s revised values, particularly in relation to culture and migration policies.
