Despite facing unusually harsh criticism from the Chancellor, CDU parliamentary group Vice Chairman Sepp Müller maintains that it was the correct decision to challenge the course set by top candidate Schulze directly before the election in Saxony-Anhalt. Speaking to RTL and ntv, Müller stated that it is right to speak openly about the principles and foundations of the CDU. He argued that voters need to know what the party intends to do after the election, emphasizing his core political stance: “Neither with the right nor with the left.”
Müller appeared unfazed by the public rebukes from the Chancellor, stating, “I do not only accept criticism, but I am very open to it.” However, he stressed the necessity of credibility for the CDU, adding that what he has championed for months and years is the fundamental idea of Christian democracy.
His pointed critiques were made immediately before the state election. At that time, Müller warned that a strong performance by the AfD could entitle them to a governing mandate and insisted that the CDU should not rely on the Left Party for power. Following this, the Chancellor accused him of undermining top candidate Sven Schulze.
On Monday evening, Müller announced his candidacy for the CDU state chairmanship in Saxony-Anhalt. He promised a fresh start should he be elected. “We have to turn our state party upside down,” he said. “Everything must be new. We need to regain credibility.”
In response to discussions about an overarching ministerial president, Müller declined participation. “I will not take part in these discussions,” the CDU politician stated, adding that due to the “historically worst election” for the CDU in Saxony-Anhalt, it was inappropriate to contemplate various government configurations. Currently, Sven Schulze remains acting state president until a replacement is elected, a result the CDU intends to accept “with humility.”
