Politics
CROSS-SPECTRUMBROAD COVERAGE
Schulze rules out CDU backing for AfD's Siegmund in upcoming vote
Minister President Schulze said the CDU will not cooperate with the AfD or BSW to support Siegmund’s bid for the state’s top post.
Schulze emphasized that the CDU does not intend to work directly with the AfD or BSW on any legislative or governmental matters. He rejected the idea of joint participation in a coalition that would back Siegmund, the AfD co-chair, who aims to be elected minister president in December. The parliament is split 39 seats each between the AfD and a bloc of CDU, Linke, Greens and SPD, with BSW holding five seats, while a majority requires 42 votes.
Why it matters
The bid could influence how the state is governed and which parties shape policy.
How this story developed
- Sep 21 Speaking on Tagesschau Extra, Krings said a division of the two top positions has not been ruled out and should be openly discussed. He recalled past CDU experiences where combining the roles proved problematic and stressed that the country's interests must come before personal ambitions. Krings added that the party must focus on overdue reforms rather than debating leadership changes, especially after recent electoral defeats in several states.
- Sep 21 The Greens announced they will seek a red‑green‑red coalition with the Left and SPD.
- Sep 21 AfD received about 44% of the vote in Saxony‑Anhalt, falling short of a majority by three seats.
- Sep 22 The CDU top council met on Monday to voice concerns about the party’s leadership.
- Sep 23 SPD and Greens require Die Linke to demonstrate anti‑antisemitism safeguards before coalition talks can proceed.
- Sep 24 Merz faces mounting pressure after the regional setbacks.
- Sep 24 The Israeli ambassador warned of an “immediate existential threat” to Berlin’s Jewish community over alleged antisemitism in the party.
- Sep 24 The Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance pledged support for the AfD’s speaker nominee, creating a parliamentary majority for the AfD in Saxony‑Anhalt.
- Sep 27 SPD and Greens issued a joint warning demanding Die Linke reject antisemitism and clan crime before coalition talks proceed.
- Sep 29 AfD parliamentary group chair Ulrich Siegmund said he will stand for the Minister-President post in the Saxony-Anhalt state parliament in December.
- Oct 3 Tobias Rausch was elected speaker of the Landtag.
- Oct 3 AfD now ahead of the Union in the latest INSA Sunday poll, widening the gap.
In this story
CDUAfDcoalition talksminister presidentparliamentary majoritySiegmundSchulzeBSWMagdeburg
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