The upcoming state election in Saxony-Anhalt in September 2026 is being framed by CDU candidate Sven Schulze as a pivotal moment not just for the state, but for the trajectory of German politics as a whole. In an interview with “Welt” Schulze emphasized the perceived existential threat posed by the Alternative for Germany (AfD), currently leading in opinion polls within Saxony-Anhalt. He asserted that the AfD’s openly stated ambition to fundamentally reshape the nation represents a direct contradiction to the desires of the vast majority of the German population.
Schulze stressed a duty, specifically for the CDU, to actively prevent the AfD from assuming any governmental responsibility, whether at the state or federal level. He argued the election ultimately represents a referendum on whether Germany’s foundational principles and structures will be overturned. This rhetoric underscores a broader strategy employed by the CDU, positioning the party as the bulwark against a radical shift in domestic policy.
Beyond the AfD, Schulze also renewed his criticism of Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul’s recent statements regarding deportations to Syria, declaring them “in terms of content, incorrect”. He attributed the recent policy corrections within the SPD/CDU coalition government’s asylum policy to a demonstrable decrease in refugee arrivals in Saxony-Anhalt.
Expanding on the deportation issue, Schulze characterized it as a necessary consequence of a system under strain. “We now have a significant number of people in Germany whose asylum procedures have been completed and who must therefore leave the country” he stated, prioritizing the deportation of individuals who have committed crimes and have failed to respect German state and societal norms. He highlighted the substantial financial burden placed on municipalities and the nation as a whole by the ongoing costs of housing and integrating asylum seekers, arguing these expenses necessitate continued reductions in both new arrivals and individuals subject to deportation orders. The remarks, while seemingly pragmatic, risk fueling a climate of division and prompting questions about the ethical considerations driving German asylum and deportation policies.