Haseloff calls for relaxation of the ban on combustion engines

Saxony-Anhalt Minister-President Reiner Haseloff (CDU) is calling for more support for the chemical and automotive supply industries in the course of the conference of Eastern German heads of government. The CDU politician told the German Press Agency that he would be talking to Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) about this. "There must be an urgent modification to the ban on combustion engines."

The EU has decided that from 2035, only new cars that do not emit any climate-damaging CO2 during operation will be allowed to be registered. The German car industry is in crisis and is suffering from falling profits and job losses.

Haseloff argues that certain hybrid solutions should be possible for longer. According to the head of government, there should not only be black and white solutions. There also needs to be renewed discussion on how energy-intensive industry can be given more support. Haseloff brought up changes to certificate trading, for example.

Controversial debate about the Elbe river

The defense structures in the eastern German states are also on the agenda. In addition to Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU), Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) is also expected to attend the meeting in Thuringia. The eastern states want to benefit from the federal government's defense billions. "It is unacceptable for us to go away empty-handed," said Haseloff.

There could be a controversial debate among the eastern states on the subject of the Elbe. Saxony is investigating how water could be diverted into the Spree. Berlin and Brandenburg are also following such considerations with interest. Haseloff, however, is putting a stop to this. The supply of other regions should not be at the expense of Saxony-Anhalt, he said. "We also have our challenges." Brandenburg could also talk to Poland about the Oder, for example, said Haseloff.