In the city of Leipzig, state premiers convened to address pressing issues such as migration, refugee policies, and public broadcasting finance. Saxony's Prime Minister, Michael Kretschmer, advocated for a constitutional amendment and a refugee ceiling, highlighting the need for stricter migration control measures. He emphasized solutions within legal frameworks, including asylum procedures in safe third countries and immediate deportation of offenders.
However, his proposals faced skepticism from leaders like Lower Saxony's Stephan Weil and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania's Manuela Schwesig, who stressed adherence to existing laws. This divergence reflects a broader political rift, with Union-led states pushing for tougher migration policies, while SPD and Green-led states call for compliance with current legal standards.
Additionally, the financial aspect of accommodating refugees was a focal point, with Rhineland-Palatinate's Premier calling for fiscal relief for municipalities burdened by refugee costs. Meanwhile, the Commission for the Determination of the Financial Needs of Broadcasting Institutions proposed a fee increase, which Bavaria and Saxony-Anhalt opposed. Demonstrations supporting public broadcasting underscored the contentious nature of these discussions.
Amidst these debates, Kretschmer also announced potential reforms in public broadcasting, aiming to streamline operations through mergers and cost reductions, while resisting fee hikes. The conference highlighted the complex interplay of migration policy, fiscal responsibility, and media reform, setting the stage for ongoing deliberations and potential resolutions.
