Thirty-five years after German reunification, the Minister-President of Saxony-Anhalt, Reiner Haseloff (CDU), is advocating for fundamental reforms across the nation. In an interview with “Stern” magazine, Haseloff expressed a growing concern that Germany requires a significant re-evaluation of its structures.
He articulated a sentiment shared by many in the eastern states, noting that the initial hope following reunification rested on the system’s intrinsic ability to adapt and renew itself. However, a decline in national performance has eroded this trust. Haseloff specifically pointed to a diminishing perception of “Made in Germany” as a guaranteed hallmark of quality.
The longest-serving Minister-President in Germany highlighted a perceived paradox: while Germany boasts a comprehensive social welfare system, its economic competitiveness has waned. He raised concerns about the nation’s credit rating, warning that future generations will bear a considerable burden from current debt levels. “It cannot continue as it is” he stated, emphasizing the need for either enhanced efficiency within the social state or increased national productivity. He sees an urgent requirement for a significant economic boost.
Acknowledging the limitations of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) alone in enacting such changes, Haseloff stressed the necessity of broader political consensus. While recognizing that the CDU’s campaign promises set high expectations, the party lacks an absolute majority. He urged collaboration with the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and other coalition partners, cautioning that internal dissent and mobilization of political bases can be counterproductive. Haseloff underscored the importance of a united political center to successfully navigate the needed transformations.
