Kretschmer wants to strengthen the arms industry in Saxony

Together with partners, the Saxon government is also advising companies, such as mechanical engineering companies, automotive suppliers and process engineering companies, on the opportunities that could exist for them in the defense sector. The chip industry and new settlements of large companies also play a major role.

Criticism from the Left and AfD

Criticism of Kretschmer's plans came from the opposition in the state parliament. "The state government must not see the arms industry as the solution to the economic situation," said Frank Peschel, economic policy spokesperson for Saxony's AfD parliamentary group. He added that Germany was forcing the transition to a war economy, which was deepening the rift between Europe and Russia.

The Left Party is calling for tax funds to be directed towards sustainable civilian industries instead of strengthening the arms industry. Saxony's industrial strengths in mechanical engineering, semiconductor production and the mobility industry could be further developed in battery technology, hydrogen technology and medical technology, said Stefan Hartmann, economic policy spokesperson for the Saxon Left Party. "This can create secure jobs with high regional added value in the long term."