Kretschmer strikes a conciliatory note with BSW

Meanwhile, the CDU leadership in Saxony also met with the BSW leadership in the state. "It's still too early to predict whether the whole thing can succeed. But what I can already say: I have met people who, in my view, are very serious and very positive," said the CDU state chairman and head of government.

Kretschmer also addressed the question of whether an alliance with the BSW could be a model nationwide in the future. "East Germany is a seismograph, just as young people are in a society. Much of what we are experiencing here will apply to the whole of Germany with a time lag," he said. This can also be seen in other topics, for example in dealing with the issue of war. "The proportion of people who believe that more diplomacy is needed, even in the old federal states, has increased right up to the federal government."

Kretschmer denied that he has any ambitions for federal politics in the event of an election victory for Union Chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz next year. "I was in Berlin for 15 years. That chapter is over for me. I want to give Saxony a stable government and am working to ensure that the next five years are successful for our state." Other people would have to do this in Berlin. However, Kretschmer pleaded for a Saxon to be represented in the "front row" in a future federal government.