+++ Bundespolitik +++: Jetzt live: Merz spricht nach Regierungsklausur

In recent developments regarding Germany's federal politics, Gropp emphasized that the current economic growth in Saxony-Anhalt is attributed to immigration. He noted that the number of German workers is decreasing, as more are retiring than joining the workforce. Gropp explained that the value brought by immigrants could be allocated to specific jobs and industries, otherwise it would be lost.

Many sectors are affected by this, with foreign workers making up a relatively small percentage in care, but a significant 33-40% in food production, construction, hospitality, and logistics. Approximately 20% of all doctors in the region come from abroad. Gropp highlighted the immense challenges of domestic and foreign policy, which would persist regardless of who faces them.

He acknowledged that the CDU remains the most successful Christian democratic party in Europe, but emphasized that the current political landscape is extremely difficult. The central question, according to Gropp, is whether the red-green coalition has the strength to implement the planned reforms in the autumn. He praised the Rentenkommission's proposals as groundbreaking, viewing the planned reform as a century-long project, which involves compromise not only among political parties but also between generations.

Press spokesperson Michael Reif reported that as of Monday, there were around 48,300 postal vote applications in Magdeburg, expecting around 55,000 by election day. With a total of approximately 180,000 eligible voters for the state election on September 6th in Magdeburg. In Halle, around 39,200 postal vote applications have been received, with the city having sent out around 176,000 voter notifications previously. For comparison, the postal voting registration for the 2021 state election was around 36,800.