Politics up close: Minister President Michael Kretschmer in conversation with our students

On April 15, our school welcomed a special guest: Saxony's Minister President Michael Kretschmer visited our school and answered the students' questions in an open discussion round at
. Students from grades 10, 11 and 12 took part in the exchange, which was deliberately mixed
in order to bring in different perspectives. The event was accompanied by the teachers Ms. Sander, Ms. Grinszek-Kebsch, Mr. Bleeker and
Mr. Müller.

After a brief welcome, a lively discussion quickly developed. The pupils took the opportunity to directly address current political issues and critically question
. Topics included structural change in Lusatia, energy policy issues, economic challenges and the political participation of young people. The Minister President took a lot of time for his answers and went into detail on the individual topics. He explained, for example, how complex political decision-making processes are and that many measures always require a balance to be struck between different interests.

He particularly emphasized the importance of investment in research and innovation for Saxony's future. His aim is to strengthen regions in the long term and create new prospects by attracting international companies and skilled workers.

There was also plenty of personal insight: he explained that he originally wanted to become a teacher, but then decided to go into politics because working with people is particularly close to his heart. This personal touch made the discussion tangible and authentic for many pupils. During the discussion, it became clear that political decisions are often made under difficult conditions. Topics such as energy supply or infrastructure in particular showed how many factors have to be taken into account and that there are rarely simple solutions. These insights made the exchange particularly valuable.

After the official round of talks, there was still enough time for a personal exchange. Many pupils took the opportunity to take photos and selfies with the Prime Minister. A special highlight was a short video that was recorded together with the student representative.

The students' verdict was positive: The opportunity to talk directly to a high-ranking politician was perceived as an exciting and enriching experience. The visit left a lasting impression on many and showed once again how important direct dialog between politicians and young people is.