Trade complains about lack of support in an incendiary letter

In a "fire letter" to Saxony's government, the skilled trades have complained about a lack of support and called for a change of course. "Saxony's economic policy seems to focus solely on industrial policy approaches. Many master craftsmen and women are asking who in the current coalition is looking after the interests of the skilled trades and SMEs," reads a letter from the Dresden Chamber of Skilled Crafts to Economics Minister Dirk Panter (SPD) and the leaders of the parliamentary groups in the state parliament.

A change of course is needed that focuses on the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises, it said. Clear relief was needed in terms of social security contributions, energy costs and bureaucratic burdens. What is needed are programs to secure skilled workers, rapid investment in infrastructure and education as well as pragmatic support for business succession. "If you lose the skilled trades, you don't just lose economic power - you lose regional stability, social balance and the core of a functioning democracy. We can still change course. We can still secure the future," the letter states.