Sven Schulze, widely expected to be the CDU’s lead candidate in Saxony-Anhalt, is dismissing calls for strict separation of roles and conflict-of-interest protocols, asserting such debates will not distract him from his campaign. In remarks to “Politico”, Schulze stated he would not be “rattled” by theoretical discussions, suggesting such a reaction would demonstrate a lack of leadership.
Despite trailing significantly in current polling data, Schulze remains optimistic about the CDU’s chances of emerging as the leading force in the September 2026 state election. He emphasized a focus on substantive policy proposals over the next eleven months, declaring the party’s ambition to secure the strongest electoral mandate.
Schulze acknowledged the shifting political landscape in eastern Germany, conceding the increasing difficulty of forming stable governing coalitions. He drew parallels to recent electoral outcomes in Thuringia and Saxony, highlighting the challenges of maintaining voter support. However, he insisted on the importance of continuing to advocate for the CDU’s agenda and actively engaging with voters – a strategy, he claimed, proved successful in 2021 despite initially unfavorable polling.
The candidate voiced frustration with what he perceives as Berlin-centric political discourse, stating that voters in Magdeburg express a desire for focused discussions on local concerns rather than debates surrounding coalition complexities. He characterized this disconnect as a critical difference between the national capital and regional constituencies, suggesting the CDU needs to prioritise direct engagement and address the specific anxieties of the electorate. The resilience of his approach will be tested as the election nears, particularly given the persistent skepticism surrounding the CDU’s ability to recapture public trust in a region grappling with complex social and economic challenges.
