German Minister President Michael Kretschmer Calls for Clear Reform Vision

Saxony Minister President Michael Kretschmer criticised the federal reform debate as fragmented and lacking a unifying agenda. He warned that Germany must act now to retain its strength vis‑à‑vis the United States, China and Russia, saying, "Wir müssen jetzt etwas tun, um gegenüber Amerika, China, aber auch Russland unsere Stärke zu behalten." Kretschmer argued that the current focus on budget cuts and fiscal consolidation fails to explain why reforms are needed, adding, "Menschen sind immer dann für Veränderungen bereit, wenn sie deutlich spüren, dass sich dadurch etwas verbessert."

He called for a new competitiveness agenda and urged the government to compensate states and municipalities for revenue losses arising from the planned tax reform, warning that without such compensation the reforms would not secure a majority in the Bundesrat. Kretschmer also stressed the need to incorporate the perspective of eastern Germany and local expertise into the reform discussion, criticizing both the SPD and trade unions for not contributing to a coherent vision.