Municipalities and business call for reforms

Saxon municipalities and the business community have founded an alliance for reforms in the Free State. "The aim is to significantly increase the competitiveness of Saxony as a business location and at the same time secure the municipalities' ability to act in the long term," announced the leading municipal associations and the Saxon Business Association (VSW) in Dresden. The state government was called upon to swiftly implement a comprehensive reform agenda.

Focus on reducing bureaucracy, municipal finances and infrastructure

A position paper lists measures in the areas of reducing bureaucracy, municipal finances, securing skilled workers, education, energy, infrastructure and digitalization, among others. Minister President Michael Kretschmer (CDU) and his cabinet have been invited to a dialog on implementation and the timetable. The Alliance sees itself as a "constructive and reliable partner" of the state government and is prepared to take responsibility and actively participate in the implementation of the reforms.

Business demands job cuts for civil servants

"With the second largest workforce of all federal states - in terms of population - Saxony is living beyond its means. In view of a significantly shrinking working population, there is no way around consistently reducing the number of jobs in the state budget to 80,000 by 2035 - through real job cuts instead of simply eliminating unfilled positions," emphasized VSW President Jörg Brückner. At the same time, he called for a double budget for 2027/2028 without debt.

Demand for a lean state

"Our goal is a lean, digital Free State of Saxony that focuses on its core tasks in the areas of internal security, education and infrastructure and at the same time places greater trust in the diligence, personal responsibility and innovative strength of the people," explained Bert Wendsche, President of the Saxon Association of Towns and Municipalities. Competitive companies and efficient municipalities are the basis for sustainable growth, prosperity and modern public services.

Saxon Crafts Day sees education as top priority

For the Saxon Crafts Day, education is a top priority. The "dramatic shortfall in teaching" at Saxon schools must be combated. "In addition, dual vocational training must be strategically strengthened. It is essential for the regional economy. This includes vocational orientation at all types of schools," demanded Chamber President Uwe Nostitz. Grammar schools must also address this issue. Dual vocational training is needed in cities and rural areas.

Landkreistag insists on solid financial resources

For the Landkreistag, its President Henry Graichen called for solid financial resources. In view of a budget deficit for Saxony's municipalities of almost one billion euros in 2025, the financial relationship between the Free State and its municipalities must be reorganized. There is an urgent need for a comprehensive reform of the welfare state with relief for municipal social welfare providers.

Chambers of Industry and Commerce call for a reliable energy policy

The chambers of industry and commerce called for a reliable energy policy. A "technology-open electricity system that guarantees security and fair prices - without subsidy logic in the long term" is needed, they said. The expansion of renewable energies, storage and grids is essential for this. Lignite remains part of the change as a bridge. "Funding policy must also be simpler, more digital and geared towards future topics such as innovation and securing skilled workers."