Schwesig to Merz: There is great resentment in the East

The heads of government of the eastern German states have drawn the attention of Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) to the dissatisfaction in this part of Germany. "We have made it clear to the Chancellor that there is a lot of discontent in the East and that the mood must improve," explained Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania's Minister President Manuela Schwesig (SPD) after the first meeting between the East German Minister Presidents and Merz at Ettersburg Castle in Thuringia.

"It's about perception, it's about respect and it's about the fact that the East must continue to be supported in its economic development," Schwesig stated.

A new state parliament will be elected in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern in a year's time. An election poll commissioned by NDR and published on Thursday puts the AfD in first place with 38 percent. Schwesig's SPD only achieved 19 percent in the survey, with the CDU at 13 percent.

Eastern MPs call for a reduction in electricity tax

According to Schwesig, the eastern heads of government are demanding, among other things, that the promised reduction in electricity tax should remain in place. Among other things, they are calling for the expansion of geothermal energy - however, the investment is considered expensive and cannot be made without state subsidies. They are also reportedly asking the federal government to increase acceptance for the expansion of wind power with new regulations.

Criticism of the federal government's plans for hospitals

According to Schwesig, the heads of government criticized the federal government's draft for hospital reform. "We still need needs-based, high-quality medical care in all parts of the country," emphasized the MV Minister President. This includes modern and efficient hospitals. "We now need the flexibility to also support existing structures with the help of the transformation fund."

When it comes to the distribution of EU billions, the eastern MPs are demanding that the regions continue to decide how the money from Brussels is used, as Schwesig went on to explain. The EU Commission wants to centralize the distribution more.