New Saxon integration commissioner elected

The CDU politician Martin Modschiedler has been elected as the new Integration Commissioner by the Saxon state parliament. His parliamentary group had previously nominated Modschiedler unanimously. The election was held in secret at the request of the CDU parliamentary group. In the end, Modschiedler received 62 votes in favor. He had needed 61. 25 MPs voted "no", 30 abstained.

Lawyer with clear words

With the new office, Modschiedler wants to "clearly name problems, take concerns seriously and also set limits", he emphasized in a statement after his nomination. "There is no place for racism and xenophobia in Saxony. But there is just as little room in Saxony for religious fanaticism or asylum seekers who commit crimes here."

Modschiedler, born in Frankfurt am Main in 1967, has been firmly rooted in Saxony for many years. After studying law in Bonn and Mainz, he set up as a lawyer in Dresden. He has been a member of the Saxon state parliament since 2009, where he has been the legal policy spokesperson for his parliamentary group since 2014. According to his own statements, his political focus is on strengthening the rule of law and a reliable justice system.

AfD considers office superfluous

While some parliamentary groups had already assured the lawyer of their support in advance, Modschiedler could not count on votes from the AfD parliamentary group. Their migration policy spokesperson Jonas Dünzel said the day before: "Saxony does not need an integration commissioner. Integration is a task that we expect every newcomer to take on their own responsibility."

Thanks and confidence at the handover of office in the state parliament

Modschiedler now succeeds Geert Mackenroth (CDU), who has held the position since 2014. Saxony's Interior Minister Armin Schuster (CDU) thanked Mackenroth "for more than a decade of heart and attitude, approachability and a clear edge". The office performs important functions in a variety of ways, for which Mackenroth leaves his successor a well-tended field.

Integration Minister Petra Köpping congratulated Martin Modschiedler on his election: "I am convinced that we will quickly find a level of partnership with the new Integration Commissioner and his authoritative and at the same time open manner."