Saxony's plan: More arms companies for security and jobs!

Saxony's plan: More arms companies for security and jobs!

The Saxon Economics Minister Dirk Panter (SPD) plans to promote the establishment of more arms companies in Saxony. In times of increasing security policy requirements, it is urgently necessary that Saxon industry also benefits from the three-digit billions of euros that flow into security. star reports that Panter clearly states identity and the need for action, while at the same time pointing out the resistance among the population against armaments projects, such as at Rheinmetall in Großenhain. This discussion is reminiscent of similar debates in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania that influenced the survival of shipyards.

Another important step in this strategy was the takeover of the Alstom site in Görlitz by the defense company KNDS, which, according to Panter, secures jobs. In order to give further impetus to the economic recovery, Panter announced that he would cut bureaucracy and eliminate the proof of use test for loans in order to relieve the burden on companies. During the corona pandemic, 750 million euros in loans were granted to companies, of which almost 17,000 are still open.

Weapons production in Saxony: Controversial jobs

The arms industry is becoming increasingly important in Saxony, especially at a time when other industries such as Thyssenkrupp are cutting jobs. Information from Economy in Saxony show that factories in Saxony and Thuringia focus on the production of weapon parts, especially 155 mm artillery ammunition. The Dihag Group foundries generate around 10% of their sales in the defense sector.

Public opinion about arms production in Saxony is divided. A survey in the Saxon state parliament reveals these different views. Jörg Urban (AfD) speaks out against arms deliveries to Ukraine and focuses on national defense. Sabine Zimmermann (BSW) criticizes the moral responsibility of workers in the defense industry. Stefan Hartmann (Die Linke) calls for increased investments in civilian goods and emphasizes that there are already too many weapons worldwide.

In contrast, the Saxon SPD faction supports military aid to Ukraine, including arms deliveries. Leipzig's CDU leader Andreas Nowak supports the production of ammunition to support Ukraine, while warning that the Bundeswehr only has limited supplies in the event of an attack on Germany. Wolfram Günther from the Green Party also recognizes the need for armaments to defend against attacks, especially in the context of the Ukraine conflict.