Chancellor's country tour: Merz praises Saxony – financing of transport routes open

Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) considers the diversity of Germany's federal states to be one of its greatest strengths. His tour of the states also gave him insight into the commonalities and the challenges that must be faced, he said during his inaugural visit to Saxony at the Dresden State Chancellery. It was Merz's eighth visit to the states. He aims to complete the tour by the end of the year. In a statement, Merz did not address his controversial comments about migrants in the cityscape.

Merz praised Saxony as an old, traditional, yet modern industrial location. During his meeting with the Saxon cabinet, infrastructure development was also discussed. The federal government prioritizes the renovation and modernization of existing transport routes. However, new transport routes are also important. Merz mentioned the expansion of the railway line from Dresden via Görlitz to Wrocław, as well as the connection from Dresden to Prague. These are not yet sufficiently funded. The federal government will discuss this further.

In his welcoming remarks, Saxony's Minister-President Michael Kretschmer emphasized Saxony's role as a center 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. "But now it's something we need across Europe. We will work together to ensure that this continues."

Following the meeting at the State Chancellery, a visit to the Skilled Crafts Training Center of the Dresden Chamber of Skilled Crafts is planned. Merz also plans to meet with students and apprentices. Finally, the Chancellor is expected to visit semiconductor manufacturer Globalfoundries, which will present its expansion plans for its Dresden plant.

Following the controversial "Stadtbild" statements, several organizations called for a protest in front of the State Chancellery. Around 250 people participated.

© dpa-infocom, dpa:251028-930-219387/2