Following the state election in Saxony-Anhalt, tensions and sharp criticism have erupted within the CDU party leadership. Marco Tullner, the CDU’s deputy state chairman and long-time chairman of the Halle (Saale) district association, sent a letter to party members on Tuesday criticizing how the recent events unfolded. According to a copy provided to dts Nachrichtenagentur, Tullner argued that instead of focusing on preparing for the new role of the opposition or working together for the future, the leadership resorted to creating division and prioritizing personal interests over the collective good of the state and the party.
In the letter, Tullner stated that rather than centering on the shared values of the party, a concept of democracy was demonstrated that, while perhaps legally legitimate, he views as highly questionable politically and morally. He added that forming a motivated and trusting collaborative environment within the new state parliamentary group seemed difficult under the current circumstances.
Tullner, who is also a member of the state parliament, has invited the members of his district association to a discussion scheduled for October 1st. This meeting will feature Bundestag member Sepp Müller, who has openly criticized the state leadership. Tullner expressed a desire to engage in open, honest, and respectful conversations with the members, particularly regarding the necessary restructuring of the CDU in Saxony-Anhalt.
The CDU in Saxony-Anhalt experienced a sharp decline in its results during the election two weeks prior, falling more than halfway compared to the 2021 election. Although Minister-President Sven Schulze (CDU) had announced that he would not run for the chair of the state party at an early convention, he managed to secure the chair of the parliamentary group in a close campaign.
