HOLD Leftists want to measure Kretschmer by his actions

With the Saxon state parliament's vote on the reform treaty for public broadcasting, the role of the Left in the politics of the Free State has once again come into focus. This is because the left-wing parliamentary group, which originally wanted to abstain due to numerous criticisms of the treaty, changed its position at short notice and voted in favor of the treaty on Wednesday evening.

Leftists want to judge the Minister President by his actions

"In our responsibility for strong public broadcasting as a central pillar of democracy, we decided to approve the treaty after all, despite our major reservations. This prevented the enemies of democracy from marching through," explained Luise Neuhaus-Wartenberg, media policy spokesperson for the left-wing parliamentary group, afterwards. Minister President Michael Kretschmer (CDU) had promised prior consultation on future state contracts. Kretschmer would now be judged by his actions.

The agreement is intended to make ARD, ZDF and Deutschlandradio leaner and more modern. It envisages fewer radio and television programs, closer cooperation between the broadcasters and more freedom for digital offerings. The federal states want to reduce duplicate structures and adapt public broadcasting to changing user habits.

Consultation mechanism should also apply to state treaties

Kretschmer took the floor shortly before the vote after a break requested by the CDU. "I promise you and will also guarantee that the principle we have agreed here will apply to all other future state broadcasting treaties - namely a consultation mechanism," he said. All parliamentary groups were invited.

The consultation mechanism is intended to provide the minority coalition of CDU and SPD with the necessary majorities. With the exception of the AfD, all parliamentary groups in the Saxon state parliament are taking part. The adoption of the double budget for 2025/2026 was only possible with the votes of the Left and the Greens. Several demands of the two parliamentary groups were enshrined in the budget.