Saxony’s Minister President Michael Kretschmer has called for intensified efforts to reduce bureaucratic burdens, advocating for a shift towards a more socially-oriented market economy and away from extensive state planning. In an interview broadcast on ZDF’s morning news program, Kretschmer emphasized the need to move beyond what he described as “state over-regulation” to revitalize the country.
The focus, he explained, extends beyond simply eliminating paperwork. It requires a broader reduction of regulations across various sectors, including labor market laws, environmental regulations and planning and permitting procedures. Kretschmer suggested a revisiting of regulations established in the 1990s as a potential solution.
Drawing an analogy, he described Germany’s current situation as akin to “Gulliver tied down by numerous ropes” hindering its ability to effectively function. He pointed to the economic prosperity witnessed in Germany during the 1990s, following the dismantling of socialist-era structures, as evidence that such reforms can yield significant benefits. Kretschmer expressed hope that this historical precedent can provide inspiration and impetus for renewed action. He underscored the necessity of this reform to unlock the nation’s potential.