Saxony-Anhalt election: could AfD get Germany's first state premier?
Ahead of the Saxony-Anhalt state election, a scenario is being discussed in which AfD candidate Ulrich Siegmund could become Germany's first-ever AfD state premier, but only if the party wins an absolute majority. A CDU representative categorically rules out cooperation with both AfD and the Left party.
Ahead of the upcoming state parliament election in Saxony-Anhalt, a scenario without precedent in German history has emerged as a talking point: could the Alternative for Germany (AfD) secure its first-ever state premier post. AfD's lead candidate, Ulrich Siegmund, plans a sweeping political overhaul of the state should his party win an absolute majority in Sunday's vote.
An episode of POLITICO's Berlin Playbook podcast examines which of Siegmund's campaign promises he could act on immediately and where such plans would run up against constitutional limits. Journalist Pauline von Pezold assesses how realistic this scenario really is, noting that Sunday's outcome will hinge on every single percentage point. She points out that if AfD fails to win an absolute majority, the party will end up in opposition regardless of an election victory, since other parties refuse to form a coalition with it.
CDU rules out working with AfD and the Left
In a short interview, Sepp Müller, deputy leader of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group and head of the CDU's state delegation, states his party's position clearly, categorically excluding any cooperation with either AfD or the Left party. Müller also outlines how incumbent state premier Sven Schulze might try to secure power by relying on centrist forces if needed.
The Saxony-Anhalt state election is regarded as a significant political test for Germany, with the result potentially signaling broader trends in the country's political landscape ahead of future elections in other federal states.
