Leading CDU figure Friedrich Merz concluded his final campaigning stop in Saxony-Anhalt ahead of the upcoming state election. On Thursday, he attended a private meeting at the Leuna Chemical Park, where he met with representatives from various companies alongside Minister-President Sven Schulze of the CDU before later meeting with state and local politicians.
A similar, reserved meeting took place earlier this week in Quedlinburg, which was held at a castle inaccessible to the public. The political climate in the state remains volatile, with the CDU currently polling between 22 and 23 percent just days before Sunday’s vote, placing them up to 20 points behind the AfD.
During his remarks at the Chemical Park’s site, Merz delivered another stern warning about the AfD. He accused the party of proposing to withdraw from the internal market, Schengen, and the European Union. Speaking at the former Leunaworks, Merz stated that such ambitions would fundamentally challenge the establishment of projects currently underway in the region. He urged citizens to vote against the AfD if they wish for Germany to remain an open, liberal country and for Saxony-Anhalt to maintain its status as an economically appealing and European-oriented location. A short press gathering allowed no questions.
