Eastern States Push for Influence and Investment in Federal Policy Debate

Strong Demands for Representation in Berlin

Leaders of the eastern German federal states are intensifying their calls for stronger political representation and investment from the incoming federal government. In a coordinated message following a high-level meeting in Berlin, six prime ministers from the eastern Länder emphasized that their region, home to approximately 20 percent of Germany’s population, must be equally represented in both the composition and policymaking of the next federal cabinet.

Thuringia’s Minister President Mario Voigt (CDU) stressed that eastern perspectives need to be included at the highest levels of government. He argued that the new cabinet must include at least one-fifth of its ministers from East Germany, not only as a matter of equity but as a signal of recognition for the region’s contributions and current challenges.

Urging Flexibility in Infrastructure Spending

Another central demand is the unbureaucratic and swift provision of funding from the federal government’s €500 billion special infrastructure program. Voigt and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern’s Manuela Schwesig (SPD) both emphasized that the Länder should be allowed to decide autonomously how these funds are deployed, based on regional priorities.

Eastern leaders highlighted their region’s proven success with streamlined planning processes used during German reunification, calling for similar efficiency in future national infrastructure projects. Voigt said such models demonstrate how faster implementation can be achieved and should guide federal efforts moving forward.

Addressing Medical Shortages in Rural Areas

Beyond political representation, the eastern states are calling for urgent improvements in rural healthcare. They argue that policy must address the acute shortage of general practitioners and medical professionals in rural East German communities, where residents often struggle to access basic services.

Officials are demanding the expansion and full utilization of land doctor quotas to ensure that residents in remote areas can reach a doctor or pharmacy within a reasonable timeframe. According to Voigt, intelligent planning is essential to ensuring these areas are not left behind during ongoing structural changes.

Energy Costs and Economic Stability on the Agenda

The issue of rising energy prices remains a critical concern for the eastern states. Schwesig reiterated that lowering energy costs is a core demand in the coalition negotiations currently underway. She warned that without action, high prices could place disproportionate strain on residents and businesses in the East, especially in economically weaker areas.

A related issue is the impact of international trade disputes, particularly with the United States. Voigt and Schwesig both expressed alarm over the potential consequences of tariffs, pointing to concrete examples such as affected automotive suppliers in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. These pressures have already led to job losses, raising fears of further economic instability.

Protecting Retirement Security for Eastern Seniors

Retirement security is another top priority. Eastern Germany remains heavily reliant on the statutory pension system, with 97 percent of retirees in the region drawing solely from this source. Unlike many in the West, most seniors in the East do not have access to supplementary income from company pensions or real estate investments.

Schwesig welcomed commitments already included in coalition exploratory talks to maintain the pension level at 48 percent, viewing it as a vital step toward preserving financial stability for East German retirees.

National Unity Without Regional Rivalries

In public remarks, Voigt stressed that these calls for support are not about pitting East against West. Instead, he emphasized that all of Germany benefits when every region moves forward together. He pointed to areas like education and municipal development, where targeted investment could make a meaningful difference in people’s daily lives.

The eastern leaders argue that the federal government must stop treating their demands as regional issues and start seeing them as national priorities. Berlin’s governing mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) echoed these views, stating that the federal cabinet must reflect the diversity and history of the entire country—including the lived experiences of East Germans.