Coal exit
Kretschmer encourages unions to resist
Saxony’s Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer criticizes the traffic light plans to phase out coal. Photo: Robert Michael / dpa-Zentralbild / dpa
© dpa-infocom GmbH
The traffic light parties plan to ideally bring the coal phase out to 2030. CDU politician Michael Kretschmer speaks of a “breach of trust” and wants the unions to react.
Saxony’s Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer has sharply criticized the plan for an early coal phase-out in 2030 and encouraged protests.
He could “only advise the unions not to take this path lightly,” said the CDU politician at a discussion by the German Federation of Trade Unions.
According to the coalition agreement, the planned federal government of the SPD, Greens and FDP wants to bring the coal phase-out, which was previously planned for 2038, forward to 2030. To this end, renewable energies are to be expanded and new gas-fired power plants built. Aid is promised in coal mining areas such as Lusatia in Saxony and Brandenburg.
Kretschmer: “Breach of trust”
Kretschmer said the coal commission had reached an agreement with a huge amount of effort. “I don’t think it’s okay that politics is now unilaterally breaking this compromise.” He advised the unions: “If you want to achieve something, you have to keep emphasizing this breach of trust that is linked to this coalition agreement.” The creation of thousands of good replacement jobs would not be possible within five to eight years, it would take more time, said Kretschmer.
The Brandenburg Prime Minister Dietmar Woidke, who was involved in the coalition negotiations, was much more confident. The preconditions for bringing forward the coal phase-out are security of supply, competitive prices and the structural development of the coal fields. The Lausitz should become the European model region of a climate-neutral economy. “We have the best chances,” said the SPD politician.