Merz praises Saxony - financing of transport routes open

Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) believes that the diversity of the federal states is one of Germany's great strengths. However, his tour of the federal states also gave him an insight into the similarities and the challenges that have to be shouldered, he said during his inaugural visit to Saxony in the Dresden State Chancellery. It was Merz's eighth visit to the federal states. He intends to complete the tour by the end of the year. Merz did not address his controversial comments on migrants in the cityscape in a statement.

Federation wants to talk about financing rail routes

Merz praised Saxony as an old, traditional and at the same time modern industrial location. During his talks with the Saxon cabinet, they also discussed the development of the infrastructure. For the federal government, the renovation and modernization of existing transport routes is of central importance. But it was also about new transport routes. Merz mentioned the expansion of the railroad line from Dresden via Görlitz to Wroclaw and the connection from Dresden to Prague. They are not yet sufficiently financed. This will have to be discussed again at the federal level.

Kretschmer emphasizes Saxony's role as a location for the chip industry

In his welcoming address, Saxony's Minister President Michael Kretschmer emphasized Saxony's role as a location for microelectronics. This would not have been possible without the joint efforts of the federal government, the European Union and the Free State of Saxony. "In the meantime, however, it is something that we need for the whole of Europe. We will work together to ensure that this continues."

After the meeting at the State Chancellery, a visit to the Dresden Chamber of Crafts' training center is planned. Merz also wants to talk to pupils and apprentices. Finally, the Federal Chancellor is expected to visit the semiconductor manufacturer Globalfoundries, which wants to present its expansion plans for the Dresden plant.

After the controversial cityscape comments, several organizations have called for a protest in front of the State Chancellery.