Magdeburg – Six months before the state election, Sachsen-Anhalt is moving to amend its state constitution. The CDU, SPD, FDP, Greens, and Left Party are working together – against the AfD. Their goal: to protect parliament and institutions against a potential change in power.
The first reading took place on Thursday. Because the constitution is being amended, three readings are required. A special session is planned for the second reading on April 20, followed by the third on April 23. The reform could come into force at the end of April.
State treaties require parliamentary approval
The urgency is not without reason. On September 6, Sachsen-Anhalt will elect a new state parliament. In polls, the AfD currently leads with between 39 and 40 percent, well ahead of the CDU. The right-wing party hopes to be able to appoint the next Minister President. Top candidate Ulrich Siegmund (35) has already announced that, in the event of a victory, he would terminate the broadcasting state treaties. This represents precisely what the reform would prevent. In the future, a Minister President will no longer be able to terminate state treaties alone. the approval of the state parliament will be mandatory.
AfD: “Mockery of the citizens’ will”
With the “Parliamentary Reform 2026,” the CDU, SPD, FDP, as well as the Greens and Left Party, say they want to protect the state parliament from blockades and power games. From their point of view, new rules are needed so that the election of the state parliament president and the presidium cannot be blocked. The procedure for the election of judges for the State Constitutional Court and the President of the State Audit Office is also to be revised according to the parties’ wishes. They also want to prevent relatives from being employed via other members of parliament. The background is that in Sachsen-Anhalt, parents, siblings, or children of AfD members were employed in the offices of friendly parliamentarians.
While the CDU, SPD, FDP, Greens and Left Party are pushing the reform forward, the AfD is sharply critical. Tobias Rausch (35) spoke of a “mockery of the citizens’ will” and a protective function for the power and positions of the other parties. He argued the expanded right of proposal in the election of the state parliament president is intended to prevent an AfD appointment. He is also critical of the parliamentary reservation regarding the termination of state treaties and the securing of the State Center for Political Education.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the proposed reform?
The stated purpose of the “Parliamentary Reform 2026” is to protect the state parliament from blockades and power games, and to ensure the smooth functioning of state institutions.
When could the reform come into force?
The reform could come into force at the end of April, following the completion of three readings in the state parliament.
What is the AfD’s position on the reform?
The AfD criticizes the reform, calling it a “mockery of the citizens’ will” and a protective function for the power and positions of the other parties.
As Sachsen-Anhalt prepares for a potentially pivotal election, will these constitutional changes be enough to safeguard the state’s political landscape against a possible shift in power?
