Dresden (dpa/sn) - The Left see resentment towards foreigners in Saxony as an obstacle to the urgently needed immigration of workers. "Anyone who was born abroad or has roots there must sometimes fear rejection and prejudice in this country, because many people judge others by their appearance," said parliamentary group leader Rico Gebhardt on Sunday. Racist accusations hit refugees just as much as immigrant top academics. He accused the CDU and especially Interior Minister Armin Schuster of conveying "skepticism instead of openness" when looking at people from other countries.
The reason for Gebhardt's statement is the specialist conference of East German heads of government and the Federal Government Commissioner for East Germany with representatives from business, trade unions and employment agencies, which begins on Monday in Schwerin. Federal Minister of Labor Hubertus Heil (SPD) and the head of the Federal Employment Agency, Andrea Nahles, are expected as guests.
Gebhardt accused the Saxon Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer (CDU) of speaking "with a forked tongue" on the subject of skilled workers. In order to attract workers from outside, the working conditions in Bavaria would have to become more attractive. However, Kretschmer's coalition did not even bring about a public procurement law that would make fair remuneration a prerequisite for government contracts. In addition, the CDU repeatedly advocates postponing retirement.
