CDU Saxony-Anhalt: Schulze as the new top candidate for 2026!

CDU Saxony-Anhalt: Schulze as the new top candidate for 2026!

The political landscape in Saxony-Anhalt is facing major changes because the CDU has chosen Sven Schulze as the top candidate for the 2026 state elections. At the state representatives' meeting in Oschersleben, Schulze, who has led the party since 2021 and acts as Minister for Economy, Tourism, Agriculture and Forestry, was able to collect around 91 percent of the votes - a clear tailwind for his ambitions. Prime Minister Reiner Haseloff, who has held the reins so far, will not run again as the CDU's top candidate.

Together with Schulze, the CDU will work towards a challenging election. The AfD is currently ahead of the CDU in the polls, prompting Schulze to remain optimistic, even as he sharply criticizes the AfD's aggressive rhetoric. “It is up to us to win all 41 constituencies,” he expressed confidence. In the last legislative period, the CDU formed an alliance with the SPD and the FDP and, with 40 members, is the largest parliamentary group in the state parliament.

List places and women's quota

A central concern of Schulze and the CDU is to fill around 50 places on the list for the election. However, there is criticism of the women's quota, because only three of the first 20 places are intended for women. This could prove challenging as gender equality in politics comes into greater focus.

The AfD is not standing still in the political debate either: it has nominated Ulrich Siegmund as its top candidate and is aiming for an absolute majority in order to be able to govern alone. The state Office for the Protection of the Constitution has already classified the AfD as a right-wing extremist, which is why concerns about the political situation in the country are growing.

The economic situation and necessary measures

Another aspect that will shape Schulze's election campaign is the tense economic situation in Germany. High energy prices, a significant shortage of workers and skilled workers as well as a high tax burden are causing uncertainty among many citizens. That from the CDU The election program issued by the CSU focuses on strengthening the social market economy. The aim is to create new opportunities through competition, growth and prosperity.

In order to make a concrete difference, the program proposes modernizing labor law, reducing the burden on income taxes and social security contributions, and reducing bureaucratic hurdles. A market economy approach should also ensure that the climate goals are met without endangering the existing economic structures.

In its election program, the CDU has also set the goal of reducing corporate taxation to a maximum of 25 percent and abolishing the solidarity surcharge - measures that many companies will welcome. There are also plans to increase the commuter allowance and promote digitalization and the use of artificial intelligence in order to increase competitiveness.

What remains to be done? Schulze and the CDU are calling for citizens' growing concerns about the meaningfulness of work to be taken seriously and a policy change is therefore required in order to create prosperity for everyone.

Overall, the upcoming election in Saxony-Anhalt promises to be exciting as Schulze and the CDU prepare to present their agenda and convince voters of their ideas.