It's only been a few weeks since you were sworn in as Saxony's new Minister of Economic Affairs. What priorities do you want to set in your office?

Please understand that I do not want to emphasise any particular areas. All subject areas in my ministry are very important. However, there are areas to which we are paying particular attention for current reasons. There is the automotive industry, which is in a transformation crisis. The Saxon economy, especially industrial companies, which have to compete internationally with high energy prices. The hydrogen economy, which will make a significant contribution to the reorganisation of the energy supply in the coming years. We need to continue the rapid expansion of broadband and further develop our energy networks for renewable energies. But we also need more security for employees on the labour market. As you can see, there is a lot to do and we are working in all areas.

When you took office, there was also a reorganisation of departments. Your ministry is now also responsible for the areas of energy and climate protection. How will these new subject areas be reflected in the work of the ministry?

The area of energy and climate protection is crucial for the whole of Saxony, not just for the economy. After all, the future of our state depends on affordable, climate-friendly and resource-conserving energy. Whether small or large companies, private households or railway companies - everyone needs affordable energy. We still have a lot of homework to fulfil together with the federal government. For example, when I think of the expansion of renewables or the development of new distribution grids in the country. Heat planning is also very important to ensure that every home stays warm in winter in the future. In Lusatia in particular, we need to find quick solutions with our partners if LEAG pulls out of the district heating contracts.

Although the topic of climate protection is often ridiculed, it is one of the most important of all. We don't have to fulfil the climate protection targets because we are legally obliged to do so. We have to fulfil them so that we still have a world in 20 or 30 years' time where we can live well and safely! So that our children can have a future with a fulfilling life and so that our nature and environment are preserved sustainably.

A new mine was approved in Pöhla at the end of last year. Is this the beginning of a mining renaissance in Saxony?

Saxony has had a continuous mining tradition since the Middle Ages, which still characterises our state today. The Ore Mountains in particular are world-famous for the diversity of their raw materials. And yes, with the approval of Pöhla, we have taken a big step towards a new mining history in Saxony. Further ore mines will be developed in the years ahead. Lithium mining could start in Zinnwald at the beginning of the next decade. There are currently 36 exploration projects and plans in the Free State that are already preparing for ore mining. The focus is on tin, tungsten, lithium, nickel, copper, silver, fluorspar and barite.

This sustainable, new mining is important for our economy, as it ensures our independence from foreign markets - especially for critical raw materials. At the same time, today's mining no longer has much in common with historical mining: today, the strictest health and safety and environmental regulations apply.