Manuela Schwesig, the Minister-President of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and a member of the SPD, tied the federal government’s policy regarding petrol prices to the success of the AfD in Saxony-Anhalt. Schwesig told the online platform of the TV station ntv that while the lack of massive public protests shouldn’t be interpreted as indifference, people are nonetheless angry about the prices at gas stations. She stated that the public has lost faith in the Chancellor and the federal government’s ability to resolve the issue, calling this a significant problem that also contributed to the electoral outcome in Saxony-Anhalt.
Schwesig, who will run again as the top candidate for the SPD in the state elections on September 20, has been advocating for several weeks for a petrol price cap based on the Luxembourg model, as well as for the implementation of measures to recoup “excess profits” made by mineral oil corporations. She emphasized that the issue of affordable living is fundamental in her state.
The SPD politician further elaborated that politics must remain close to the citizens, which is why she regularly holds citizen dialogues even outside of election campaigning. “We must be local, we must care about the people. That is my firm conviction,” Schwesig said. She added that this work is not only enjoyable and fulfilling for her but also grounds her in her convictions. She concluded by asserting her belief that any Federal Chancellor could lead their government effectively if they were willing to do so.
