A leading figure in the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) is advocating for increased self-assurance among citizens of eastern Germany, particularly as the country marks the Day of German Unity on October 3rd. Sven Schulze, who has declared his ambition to become Minister President of Saxony-Anhalt in 2026, expressed his perspective in an interview with the Tagesspiegel.
Schulze suggests that the prevalent dissatisfaction observed in eastern Germany stems less from discontent and more from a persistent sense of uncertainty. He attributes this feeling to a backdrop of rapid societal shifts, including periods of upheaval and subsequent events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine and evolving geopolitical dynamics, specifically highlighting the visible impact on energy prices.
Ahead of the national holiday, Schulze urged eastern Germans to cultivate a greater sense of pride and self-regard, emphasizing the remarkable resilience and adaptation displayed by the population following the dissolution of the former East German state. He voiced frustration regarding a perceived lack of recognition in western Germany regarding the achievements and progress made in the eastern states, particularly underlining the historical significance of the population’s desire and attainment of free elections.
Addressing potential political alignments, Schulze categorically ruled out any possibility of a coalition with the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. He affirmed his commitment to preventing Saxony-Anhalt from becoming a platform for political experimentation and unequivocally stated his opposition to partnering with the AfD under any circumstances.