Lüddemann and Striegel: Farewell to the Green Group in Saxony-Anhalt!

Lüddemann and Striegel: Farewell to the Green Group in Saxony-Anhalt!

Cornelia “Conny” Lüddemann, the chairwoman of the state parliamentary group of ALLIANCE 90/THE GREENS in Saxony-Anhalt, announced today that she will not run again in the state elections in September 2026. After more than 14 years in the state parliament, Lüddemann is withdrawing from politics to make room for younger women. “Promoting women in politics has always been close to my heart,” explained the 57-year-old in her announcement dubisthalle.de picks up.

Another big step is the withdrawal of Sebastian Striegel, another Green MP, who has also announced that he will not run again. Striegel emphasizes the importance of change in the political landscape of Saxony-Anhalt. “Constant change is necessary,” said Striegel, who, together with Lüddemann, has shaped the face of the Green Party in Saxony-Anhalt in recent years.

Lüddemann's successes in state politics cannot be overlooked. She made a significant contribution to the Greens being able to get back into parliament in 2016 and played a key role in shaping the Kenya coalition (CDU, SPD, Greens). Susan Sziborra-Seidlitz, the state chairwoman of ALLIANCE 90/THE GREENS Saxony-Anhalt, particularly emphasizes her commitment to climate protection, education and social justice. Dennis Helmich, the state chairman, also emphasizes Lüddemann's expertise in gender equality issues and her tireless commitment to sustainable mobility.

What does this withdrawal mean for the Greens?

After Lüddemann's decision, the party will have to reorganize its personnel. Susan Sziborra-Seidlitz already has ambitions to run as the top candidate for the state elections in September 2026. The exact places on the list will be decided in November 2023. Candidates such as Madeleine Linke, Mamad Mohamad and Wolfgang Aldag have already been confirmed, while the future of Lüddemann allies such as Olaf Meister, Sebastian Striegel and Dennis Helmich is still unclear.

The Greens fought for 5.9 percent of the votes in the last state election in 2021 and presented six MPs in parliament. In the recent federal election in February 2023, however, they were only able to achieve 4.4 percent, which shows the urgency of regrouping.

Women in Politics: An Urgent Concern

Lüddemann has repeatedly pointed out the need to increase the proportion of women in the state parliament, which is currently only 22 percent. She often expressed her strong support for the introduction of a parité law in order to strengthen equality in the political sphere. This issue is also important for the state government, which plans to further develop the Women's Advancement Act.

Debates about women's suffrage and equality are not new in Saxony-Anhalt. Women were already actively participating in elections in 1918, and equality still plays a central role in the state's political landscape today. As the landtag.sachsen-anhalt.de shows that women are still underrepresented in decision-making positions. The need for binding instruments for the participation of women in all areas of society remains strong.

Lüddemann himself has always advocated for a vehement increase in the proportion of women in the state parliament and demands that social reality also be reflected in political representation. This is supported by other MPs, such as Eva von Angern from the LEFT, who are in favor of a women's quota to overcome existing inequalities.

The withdrawal of Lüddemann and Striegel could represent both a turning point and an opportunity for the Greens to bring a breath of fresh air into the political landscape. Their decision may mark the end of an era, but it also opens up space for new voices and perspectives.