The CDU’s leading candidate for the upcoming state election in Saxony-Anhalt, Sven Schulze, has pointed to a mismanaged public perception as a key factor contributing to the federal government’s declining approval ratings under Friedrich Merz. In an interview with the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung” (NOZ), Schulze suggested the government needs to recalibrate expectations, stating that a wholesale solution to existing issues is unrealistic. “The government of Friedrich Merz, in my view, needs to correct its expectations management. Not everything can be solved immediately. This may also be related to the fact that the current federal government is currently not achieving good poll ratings. Simply put, too high expectations were raised.
Schulze downplayed recent polling data, which currently places the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) significantly ahead of the CDU in Saxony-Anhalt ahead of the September 2026 election, dismissing them as a “snapshot in time”. He emphasized his ambition to secure victory and maintain a position ahead of the AfD in the results. “If these numbers were to materialize, Saxony-Anhalt would practically be un-governable” he stated.
His comments reflect a growing concern within the CDU about the AfD’s expanding influence, particularly in eastern Germany. Schulze strongly cautioned against voting for the AfD as a means of expressing discontent. “There are fears about the future and people evidently want to send a signal with their vote. However, I consider this signal to be irresponsible, because an AfD victory would put the country in an extremely difficult situation for five years.
He issued a stark warning concerning the potential fallout should the AfD assume governmental responsibility, asserting it would inflict “immense and inexpressible damage” on Saxony-Anhalt and, by extension, Germany. Schulze confirmed a firm stance against any potential coalition, explicitly ruling out the inclusion of AfD or Left Party members in his cabinet. This declaration highlights the significant barriers to potential government formation and underscores the increasingly polarized political landscape within Saxony-Anhalt.