Almost 35 years after German reunification, the East German minister presidents will discuss on Thursday (10.30 am) how their region can be further strengthened politically and economically. The common basis is a paper from the end of March, which calls for East Germany to invest in research, reduce bureaucracy, lower energy costs and have a "strong voice" in the future federal cabinet, among other things.
The conference of East German minister presidents will be chaired by Thuringia's head of government Mario Voigt (CDU). In addition to Thuringia, the states of Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Brandenburg, Berlin and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania as well as the current Commissioner for Eastern Germany, Carsten Schneider (SPD), are also taking part. Business representatives have also been invited to the meeting at the Thuringian state representation in Berlin, including the President of the East Thuringia Chamber of Industry and Commerce in Gera, Ralf-Uwe Bauer.
Voigt said in advance that East Germany is already a location for innovation and business of national importance. "Our goal is to set the economic, infrastructural and social course in such a way that the East not only catches up, but leads the way."
