Economics Minister Robert Habeck highlighted investments in East Germany on German Unity Day. At the moment, more than 20 major investments with a total volume of over 50 billion euros are planned there, the Green politician told the Funke Group newspapers according to the advance report.
With projects such as chip factories in Saxony-Anhalt and Saxony or the establishment of battery companies in Brandenburg, anchors are created that lead to further settlements, such as construction companies or service providers, said Habeck. “We are making progress and the prospects are becoming more and more concrete. And so we will continue to persevere in making the projects a success.” Economic support for the East German regions is at the top of his agenda.
The head of the economists, Monika Schnitzer, told the “Rheinische Post” that chips are important for value creation in many industries, such as the automotive industry. “From a German and European perspective, it makes perfect sense to have this production locally, especially for geostrategic reasons.” The region around Dresden can boast a large supply of skilled workers, suppliers and research institutions.
“Locational disadvantage” AfD
Schnitzer expressed concern about the AfD’s poll numbers, which, in her opinion, cannot be attributed to economic development. “Explanations are to be found in the ongoing uncertainty experienced, the impression of constant change.” Investors viewed the development critically. “Both the worldview and the AfD’s program are, soberly speaking, disadvantages of the location,” said the economist. States or municipalities governed by the AfD ran the risk of isolating themselves.
Schnitzer’s colleague Veronika Grimm made similar comments. Despite all the aftermath of the crises, the Day of German Unity could provide an opportunity to look to the future with confidence. “And to make it clear that increasing support for extremist parties – especially the AfD – is perhaps the only real threat to prosperity.”
