Kretschmer: State heads speak out in favor of payment cards

State government leaders have agreed that payment cards for refugees should be introduced, according to Saxony's Premier Michael Kretschmer. "It is important that we do not work with cash, but with benefits in kind," said the CDU politician on Friday in Frankfurt am Main. The state premiers met there for joint consultations. One sees high sums, which would be transferred to the countries of origin of the refugees.

"16 countries agree that the number of refugees must be reduced. 16 states have jointly agreed on measures that we are jointly willing to carry with the federal government," Kretschmer said. The plans were to be discussed in a small circle with Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) on Friday. "It is up to him to take this outstretched hand."

According to Kretschmer, the heads of government also agree that a European harmonization of social benefits is necessary. In addition, they need repatriation agreements and "for the near future also stationary border controls."