Leipzig has locational advantages other cities would envy: a central location, a young population, excellent universities, affordable space. What's missing is city leadership that treats economic policy as a top priority.
New businesses become a top priority for me personally. I will personally accompany every company setting up in Leipzig with more than 100 jobs — from the first conversation through to approval. Investors rightly expect a point of contact who can actually make decisions. I will be that point of contact.
I personally accompany every company setting up here with over 100 jobs. Bureaucracy is not a locational advantage.
Fast-track approvals in under six weeks. Standard projects can take months today. I'll make fast-track processing the default: six weeks for standard procedures, a dedicated business service at city hall, one point of contact per project. Anyone who wants to invest in Leipzig shouldn't be stopped by the administration.
East Germany's startup capital. We'll launch a Leipzig Venture Fund: municipal co-investment in local startups, so the capital stays in the city. We'll start a Startup-in-Residence program modeled on Amsterdam's — startups solve real city problems, and the city pays for pilot solutions that work. And we'll set up an International Founder Program with an English-language one-stop shop: business registration, visas, and housing, all in one place.
Unemployment as priority number one. Leipzig still carries an unemployment rate that's too high. My clear target: below 7% by 2030, with a progress report published every year. Achieved through job offensives with the Federal Employment Agency, qualification programs with the Chamber of Commerce (IHK) and universities, and targeted placement in growth industries.
A city that produces nothing has nothing to distribute.
Economic policy is social policy with the longest lever.