2023-04-22 20:27:55
Saxony’s Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer (47) is considered a strong but uncomfortable voice within the CDU. Next year there will be elections in Saxony and the AfD, Kretschmer’s main opponent, is getting stronger. But he also sharply attacks the Greens – after all, one of his coalition partners in the state parliament. Not an easy political balancing act for Kretschmer.
BILD am SONNTAG: Mr. Kretschmer, with a few exceptions, new heating systems must be operated with at least 65 percent renewable energy from 2024. What do you think of the new law?
Michael Kretschmer: “The law was made with a crowbar and many things are technically not possible or implementable that quickly. The traffic light endangers the prosperity of millions of people in Germany.”
Why do you think that?
Kretschmer: “Many citizens will simply not be able to afford the required conversion of their house or apartment. Landlords and housing companies are also sounding the alarm. The energy transition will become unaffordable for the citizens and politicians will lose a large part of the population as a result. People turn away because they get scared.”
Now you’re exaggerating.
Kretschmer: “By no means. The traffic light just announces the balance between economy, ecology and social issues. Everyone knows that we in Germany alone will not be able to save the climate. But: The plans of this government lead to de-industrialization and unrest among the population.”
The traffic light plans grants of at least 30 percent from the state. Is that not enough
Kretschmer: “The Federal Minister of Economics originally assured that nobody had to worry financially. He brushed aside all objections. One thing is clear: homeowners face renovation costs of tens of thousands of euros. If you have a small pension, a 30 percent subsidy is of little use. Longer transition periods would be necessary for the installation of gas heating systems.”
Are you against more climate protection?
Kretschmer: “No, but not like that. Green politics is ecological madness. Significantly more CO2 is currently being emitted than a year ago. Germany shuts down nuclear power plants and burns more gas and coal. This is not a contribution to climate protection, but completely misguided policy. To compensate for the shutdown of nuclear power plants, we need 50 square kilometers of solar panels plus 400 extra wind turbines on land.”
Clear edge against climate protection policy Heiz-Hammer is “perverted”
But the Greens do pretty well in elections.
Kretschmer: “Not in East Germany. The Greens have gambled away the basic trust of the population. In Germany, it was always the case that the interests of the country came first, then party-political goals. The Greens broke with that. Phasing out coal, phasing out combustion engines, replacing the heating system – the result is: the economy is stalling, and many companies have postponed their investment decisions. There will be massive relocations away from Germany. We are sawing the branch on which our country’s prosperity hangs.”
Do you think the government is bullying the citizens?
Kretschmer: “The traffic light government is pursuing a planned economy and popular education approach. She is not looking for a social consensus. However, it is the task of a government to hold the country together and not to divide it. We can only get through this crisis with more freedom, not with more regulations.”
Roman Eichinger and Burkhard Uhlenbroich from BILD am Sonntag in conversation with Michael Kretschmer
What do you expect from Federal Interior Minister Faeser on the subject of migration?
Kretschmer: “At the next meeting on May 10, the federal government must present solutions for the federal states and local authorities. It’s not just about the money alone, it’s about reducing the number of people who come to us. Voluntary admission programs, such as for local workers from Afghanistan or other countries, must be stopped immediately. A turning point is also needed in migration policy.”
Do you think the war in Ukraine will end this year?
Kretschmer: “That also depends on the commitment of Germany and Europe to diplomatic solutions.”
Are Chancellor Scholz and Foreign Minister Baerbock doing too little diplomatically?
Kretschmer: “The Foreign Minister does not see the time for negotiations now, but for arms deliveries. This is something that upsets a lot of people, including me. Diplomacy is always a means of settling conflicts. I find it wrong that Germany has given up this position. And the number of people in Germany who see it that way is increasing every day.”
Your party leader, Merz, shares the Foreign Minister’s opinion that you are pretty much alone in your position.
Kretschmer: “I have clearly stated my position on this so far and this position has not changed.”
Is it right that Putin should be arrested if he enters Europe or Germany, as Justice Minister Buschmann is demanding?
Kretschmer: “Putin should be held accountable for his actions. But the loud rumble alone doesn’t help. I wonder what Hans-Dietrich Genscher would say about that.”
Don’t you think Putin is a war criminal?
Kretschmer: “Of course he’s a war criminal.”
Mathias Döpfner, CEO of Axel Springer, in which BILD am SONNTAG also appears, described the East Germans as “fascists or communists” in a personal message and subsequently apologized. Is that enough for you?
Kretschmer: “I think you should clarify that yourself in your company and in your newspaper. Many people who read BILD wait for the consequences in the editorial office or in the publishing house. This story shows once again that Germany needs a strong public service broadcaster in addition to the private media. ARD, ZDF and Co. have a huge responsibility for democracy in our country. Quality journalism, a broad range of opinions and the renunciation of the mainstream are the basis for broad acceptance among the population.”
Do you think that many Wessis think something like that about the Ossis?
Kretschmer: “No, and vice versa.”
This article comes from BILD am SONNTAG. The ePaper of the entire issue is available here.
1682197484
#Saxony #Prime #Minister #Kretschmer #politics #Greens #ecological #madness #politics