Saxony-Anhalt Election: SPD Candidate Pushes for Free Childcare and More Immigration

Armin Willingmann, the SPD's top candidate in the state election, is campaigning on a platform of free childcare and greater immigration to bolster the labor market in Saxony-Anhalt. He told Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk that free Kita services are essential for making the state more appealing to young families and businesses alike.

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The Kita landscape is something we need for young families to be attractive, but also for our economy.

Willingmann, who also serves as the state's science minister, emphasized that a stable government in Saxony-Anhalt can only be formed with the SPD's participation. He believes that accessible childcare is a key factor in attracting companies by assuring them that their skilled workers will have reliable care options for their children. He noted that the state already has a high provision rate for childcare, exceeding 95% for children aged three to six.

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We definitely need immigration into our economy, into our labor market. And that is to maintain our prosperity and also our industrial companies.

On the issue of migration, Willingmann called for a nuanced approach, stating that immigration is a necessity for the economy and labor market to sustain prosperity and maintain industrial operations. He dismissed the idea that Germany's skilled labor needs could be met solely by its own population as "childish." He also stressed the need for more education in areas where people feel threatened by immigration.

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It is childish to tell ourselves that the demand for skilled workers can be met solely from our own population.

Willingmann candidly admitted that the SPD has made errors in its approach to its traditional voter base. He acknowledged that many former working-class supporters now sympathize with the AfD, suggesting that the SPD gave the impression of neglecting the middle class in favor of transfer recipients. "A wrong focus has undoubtedly emerged there," he stated. Despite the SPD's low poll numbers, Willingmann is committed to another coalition government after the election, warning that the only alternative would be an AfD-led government, which he strongly opposes.

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A stable government will only exist in Saxony-Anhalt if the SPD is involved.