CDU chooses Schulze as top candidate: fight against the AfD begins!

CDU chooses Schulze as top candidate: fight against the AfD begins!

A groundbreaking step for the CDU in Saxony-Anhalt: On November 1, 2025, Sven Schulze was elected as the top candidate for the upcoming state elections in 2026. At the state representative meeting in Oschersleben, Schulze, who had previously served as Minister of Economics, received an impressive 90 out of 99 votes, while only 9 votes were against him. The party base has thus clearly spoken out in favor of continuing the political line under his leadership. The election will take place on September 6, 2026, and many eyes are already on the result.

In the latest polls, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) is clearly in the lead and could nominate a prime minister for the first time - a circumstance that could have a decisive impact on the political climate in Saxony-Anhalt. Schulze himself expressed optimism about the CDU's chances and promised to win this election: "We will win this election," said the state leader. At the same time, he criticized the content and statements of the AfD and thus clearly positioned himself against the competition.

The political landscape

The previous Prime Minister Reiner Haseloff, who has been in office since 2011, is not running again, emphasizing the need for a new generation to take responsibility. Schulze, who has led the CDU state association since 2021 and previously worked as a MEP and Secretary General, sees himself as a down-to-earth doer and decision-maker. However, there are concerns within the CDU about his popularity and his treatment of employees.

• Sven Schulze wurde mit 91 Prozent Zustimmung auf Platz eins der Landesliste gewählt.
• Im Aufstellungsverfahren wurden jedoch nur vier von 20 Plätzen für Frauen vorgesehen, was in der Partei auf Kritik stößt.
• Er strebt ein Bündnis aus der politischen Mitte an, um in allen 41 Wahlkreisen zu punkten.
• Die Regierungsbildung könnte selbst bei einem Wahlsieg kompliziert werden.

Schulze plans to focus his campaign on the issues of strengthening rural areas, education, streamlining administration and better police equipment. These points are intended to appeal to both old and new voters and help the CDU to assert itself in the competition.

Saxony-Anhalt at a glance

Saxony-Anhalt is a federal state in eastern Germany, surrounded by Saxony, Thuringia, Brandenburg and Lower Saxony. The state capital is Magdeburg and the region can look back on a diverse history and culture. Over 2.3 million people live here, and given the AfD's current polls, a heated election campaign is in the air. Politically, it could be a challenge for the CDU to emerge in an environment where an AfD may be seeking its first leadership position.

Schulze now faces the task of convincing voters of his vision and the need for a strong CDU election program. At a time when political pressure and social tensions are increasing, the CDU under Schulze's leadership wants to get voters on its side. The months ahead until the election promise to be exciting and challenging.

For more information: Palatinate Express, Wikipedia, Time.