Saxony Faces Economic Challenges as Leaders Push for Bold Reforms

Michael Kretschmer outlines austerity measures and infrastructure goals while the Justice Minister considers lowering the age of criminal responsibility.

Saxony's Minister-President Michael Kretschmer warns of a multi-year austerity period due to a €2 billion budget shortfall, affecting investments in education, culture, and families.
Kretschmer advocates for a €100 billion federal fund to modernize rail infrastructure, including key routes like Görlitz-Dresden, to close gaps in the European rail network.
The state government is debating solutions to rising care home costs, with Kretschmer calling for greater state intervention to support low-income residents.
Justice Minister Constanze Geiert proposes reassessing the age of criminal responsibility, citing increased offenses by children aged 12 to 14.
Saxony's birthrate continues to decline, raising concerns about its impact on workforce availability and social systems funding.