Saxony-Anhalt’s Prime Minister, Sven Schulze (CDU), stated that he is open to a television duel with the AfD challenger, Ulrich Siegmund. Schulze told Funke-Mediengruppe that he has “no problem at all” with such an event, but added that the AfD and Siegmund offer “very little that would advance Saxony-Anhalt” suggesting their input is more “challenging than helpful”. He expressed his willingness to highlight these differences in various events, including TV duels, though he clarified that the timing for such formats is not currently suitable. He indicated that suitable months for the campaign events would be August and September, ahead of the state election scheduled for September 6.
Schulze singled out the AfD’s alleged lack of understanding regarding economic competence, arguing that the party fails to fully grasp the actual challenges facing the regional economy. According to him, merely advocating for the removal of all foreigners does not solve all problems-a claim, he warned, that could, in extreme cases, lead to the closure of multiple local hospitals.
While describing his routine interactions with Siegmund at the parliamentary level as normal and expected courtesy, Schulze stressed that he does not need or desire any personal friendship with him. He emphasized that what is required is mutual respect, reminding everyone that they are elected representatives.
The Prime Minister reinforced his commitment that his cabinet will not include any ministers from the AfD or the Linkspartei. He concluded by adding that he refuses to be unduly constrained or controlled by any external pressures. Furthermore, he dismissed the idea of minority governments as a “new, great weapon” for good policies, calling them “very difficult”.
Schulze also warned the public against casting a “punishment vote” for the national black-and-red coalition government. While admitting that many residents are currently unsatisfied with what is happening in Berlin, he insisted that the election on September 6 must be about determining how Saxony-Anhalt will be governed over the next five years, and not merely an accounting for the perceived failures in the capital.
He promised to speak frankly regarding federal decisions, acknowledging that his candid assessments might not please everyone, but arguing that this transparency is what the people value. He stated that given the small size of the state, with only two million inhabitants, the populace deserves a representative who can effectively promote Saxony-Anhalt’s interests in both the major federal capital and in Brussels.