One month after the state parliament election in Saxony-Anhalt, CDU group leader Sven Schulze has firmly ruled out any Christian Democratic support for Alternative for Germany (AfD) candidate Ulrich Siegmund in the upcoming vote for state premier. Speaking on the ARD program Bericht aus Berlin,
Schulze stated that no member of the CDU will switch to the AfD in any form, emphasizing that the party views itself strictly in opposition.
Did You Know? The CDU held governing responsibility in Saxony-Anhalt for 24 years before shifting to its current role in opposition, a transition that Sven Schulze acknowledged as painful for the party.
Sven Schulze Rejects Parliamentary Cooperation
Addressing ongoing talks between the AfD and the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) regarding government formation, Schulze stated that the CDU does not intend to cooperate directly with either party or participate in any coalition arrangements. According to Schulze, cooperation includes coordinating on legislation or other parliamentary business, actions the CDU has no plans to undertake. All CDU lawmakers have confirmed multiple times, both orally and in writing, that they will not cross party lines or back the AfD candidate. This response follows public hints from Siegmund that some members of the CDU faction had already reached an agreement.
Ulrich Siegmund Seeks December Election
AfD co-group leader Ulrich Siegmund aims to be elected as the new minister president of Saxony-Anhalt in December, with the 35-year-old anticipating victory in the first ballot with a notable majority. However, the exact path to office remains uncertain for the candidate. The AfD holds 39 seats in the state parliament, while the CDU, Left Party, Greens, and SPD together command an equal 39 seats, and the BSW holds 5 mandates. Securing a parliamentary majority requires a total of 42 votes. The AfD won the election on September 6 and is classified as secure right-wing extremist by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution.
Potential Dependency on Sahra Wagenknecht
Schulze warned that if the AfD assumes government responsibility alongside the BSW, the administration will remain fully dependent for five years on directives issued by Sahra Wagenknecht from Saarland or Berlin. Broadcasters such as MDR report that while the BSW is reportedly willing to support an AfD-led minority government, it has refrained from forming a formal coalition. Schulze noted that the AfD had previously claimed it would avoid such dependency on the BSW.
Ulrich Siegmund Runs for Minister President in Saxony-Anhalt
Who is running for minister president in Saxony-Anhalt?
AfD co-group leader Ulrich Siegmund is running for the office of state premier and intends to stand for election in December.
How many seats does the AfD hold in the state parliament?
The AfD holds 39 seats in the state parliament of Saxony-Anhalt, falling short of the 42 votes required for an absolute majority.
What is the position of the CDU regarding the government formation?
CDU group leader Sven Schulze confirmed that his party will transition into opposition and will neither support Ulrich Siegmund nor cooperate with the AfD or the BSW on legislation or governance.
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