Eastern German Leaders Demand Federal Support for Regional Renewal

State premiers call for financial aid, infrastructure investment, and cabinet representation to address structural disparities and demographic challenges.

Eastern German state premiers have issued a joint position paper during coalition talks, emphasizing the need for targeted federal support to address regional disparities.
Key demands include financial aid, prioritization of infrastructure investment, and federal responsibility for addressing legacy municipal debts.
The leaders advocate for the continuation of the Commissioner for Eastern Germany role with cabinet rank and the inclusion of eastern Germans in the federal cabinet.
Proposals also call for reducing bureaucratic burdens, protecting local industries from European-level competition distortions, and recruiting skilled workers from abroad.
The demands coincide with the 35th anniversary of German reunification, with leaders warning of a political turning point and the need to restore public trust in government effectiveness.