Breaking News: Saxony’s Kretschmer Warns of ‘Brexit’ in EU Over ‘Overwhelming’ Bureaucracy
Germany’s Michael Kretschmer urges Europe to avoid excessive regulation and praises Russian cooperation.
Posted on by Archyde Staff.
EU Bureaucracy and Regulation Critique
Saxony’s Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer has echoed concerns similar to the Brexit sentiment, warning that excessive European Union bureaucracy could drive more people to turn away from the bloc. Speaking at an event covered by Politico, Kretschmer stated, “Europe should not be a ‘space of super regulation’.”
The CDU politician underscored issues such as supply chain guidelines and stringent environmental requirements as examples of excessive regulation. Kretschmer fears that the trend could mirror the UK’s decision to leave the EU, stating, “We saw in Brexit where it can lead.”
In an effort to combat this trend, Kretschmer has advocated for a bureaucracy moratorium, calling for a pause in the proliferation of EU regulations.
Criticism of EU Sanctions on Russia
Kretschmer also criticized ongoing European sanctions against Russia, asserting that sanctions have not altered the course of the war. He stated, “The EU has been deciding one sanction package after another for three years, and it has not affected the course of the war.”
He further suggested that continuing sanctions could harm Germany economically and advocated for maintaining Russia as a potential gas supplier. Kretschmer opposed the EU Commission’s proposed gradual ban on all Russian gas imports by the end of 2027.
Instead, he called for showing Russia “a perspective for economic cooperation and as a raw material supplier.”
Federal Growth Package Critique
At the Prime Ministers’ Conference in Berlin, Kretschmer echoed concerns over the federal growth package aimed at boosting the economy. While states welcome the initiative, there is unease over the costs associated with new depreciation options for companies and the planned reduction in corporation tax, potentially jeopardizing the economic agenda.
Kretschmer urged the federal government to compensate for these lost funds, ensuring that states do not shoulder the financial burden.
Optimizing Funding for Regions
In a prior meeting in Leipzig, state bosses voiced concerns over plans by the European Commission to only award funding to nation states, no longer to individual regions. Saxony’s Infrastructure Minister Regina Kraushaar reaffirmed the need for regional funding distribution, stressing the continued necessity of funds flowing directly into regions.
This stand reflects Saxony’s commitment to localized economic development and regional autonomy.
