Dresden (dpa/sn) – In view of rising energy prices, Saxony’s Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer (CDU) has promised state funds to relieve citizens. “It is perfectly clear that in this national crisis everyone has to do something, including the Free State of Saxony,” said the Prime Minister of the Sächsische Zeitung (Friday edition) that appears in Dresden. The federal government must pay for the proposals of the federal government alone. “If that happens, then there will be more scope for additional state measures.”

At the same time, he reiterated his call for a protective shield for public utilities. “This is a demand on the federal government, in which it is clear that the federal states and local authorities must also do their part.” Kretschmer accused the federal government of “erratic action” in the crisis and a lack of coordination. With a view to the latest relief package, he called for a prime ministers’ conference involving local umbrella organizations. Many questions are still open after his presentation.