Poll Finds Support for Special Economic Zones as FDP Pushes Plan in Saxony-Anhalt

Nearly half of respondents in a poll commissioned by Germany’s Free Democratic Party support creating special economic zones, a proposal the party says could revive weaker regions.

The Civey survey found that 49% viewed the model as somewhat or very positive. Thirty-four percent rated it somewhat or very negatively, while 17% had no opinion. The question described zones that would receive broad exemptions from bureaucracy and taxes to promote targeted economic development.

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People are clearly further ahead than the government and are also willing to take unconventional paths to secure and expand prosperity.

FDP leader Wolfgang Kubicki said the results showed that voters were more willing than the government to consider unconventional ways to protect and expand prosperity. He criticized what he called a complacent government resistant to change, saying that stance would make implementation difficult.

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With a complacent government that fears change, the chances of implementation are naturally poor.

The FDP’s Saxony-Anhalt branch wants to establish two zones in the state. One would occupy the site near Magdeburg where Intel had planned a large chip factory before abandoning the multibillion-euro project last summer. The second would be located at the chemical industry center in Leuna.

State FDP leader and lead candidate Lydia Hüskens said the party wanted to test the concept with strong infrastructure, faster approvals and tax advantages for both large and small businesses. The proposal forms part of the party’s platform for the state election scheduled for the following Sunday.

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We want to finally try out special economic zones in Saxony-Anhalt, with excellent infrastructure, fast approvals and tax advantages for large and small companies in the area.