Saxony-Anhalt Election: CDU Premier Schulze Vows to Block AfD from Power

The German state of Saxony-Anhalt holds its state parliament election on September 6, in a vote closely watched both in Germany and internationally. For the first time, there is a realistic possibility that the Alternative for Germany (AfD) — classified as definitively far-right by the state's constitutional protection authority — could take control of a state government. The AfD's lead candidate, Ulrich Siegmund, has led all opinion polls by a wide margin.

Schulze: A Difficult Campaign Trail

At 47, Premier Sven Schulze is Germany's youngest state leader. He took office only in late January, when his predecessor Reiner Haseloff stepped down after nearly 15 years to boost Schulze's electoral prospects. The CDU's so-called incumbent bonus has not translated into poll gains: the party has maxed out at around 26% in surveys, while the AfD tops 40%. Schulze has been campaigning across the state — by bicycle on some days, talking to small groups, handing out ice cream at summer events. His message has been consistent: his role is to bring Saxony-Anhalt's issues to Berlin, not to impose Berlin's agenda on the state.

The Strategy

Schulze is banking on the AfD falling short of an absolute majority of seats in the state parliament. If the AfD fails to secure 50% of seats outright, it would need a coalition partner — and all other major parties have ruled out governing with it. That would leave Schulze a narrow window to form an alternative majority government. He has framed the vote in stark terms: "Sven Schulze or the AfD."

What Is at Stake

A first-ever AfD-led state government in Saxony-Anhalt would mark a watershed in German postwar politics. It would also intensify pressure on the federal coalition under Chancellor Friedrich Merz, whose CDU faces growing voter frustration. All eyes are on Saxony-Anhalt as a potential bellwether for the direction of German politics.