Saxony is challenging the German federal government’s approach to allocating significant defense industry investment, marking a rare point of contention between a state government and Berlin. State Premier Michael Kretschmer, of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), voiced concerns that the current wave of economic stimulus benefiting the arms industry has largely bypassed eastern Germany.
Speaking to the “Tagesspiegel” Kretschmer emphasized the impact this imbalance is having on the eastern German economy, stating that a more substantial portion of defense contracts must be directed towards companies in the region. He urged Defense Minister Boris Pistorius to actively ensure a fairer distribution of these lucrative opportunities.
Beyond investment allocation, Kretschmer also expressed opposition to reported plans to relocate the ILA, Europe’s largest aerospace exhibition, from the Berlin region. He cautioned that moving the event back to Hannover would represent a significant setback for the economic development of eastern Germany. The Premier underscored the importance of maintaining the exhibition’s presence in the capital region.
