CDU is fighting for survival: AfD dominates Saxony-Anhalt!

CDU is fighting for survival: AfD dominates Saxony-Anhalt!

In Saxony-Anhalt, the CDU is facing a historic challenge. In view of the upcoming state elections on September 6, 2026, the party has to fight for its influence, because the current surveys show a clear picture: With 27 percent, the CDU is far behind the AfD, which can currently claim 39 percent of the vote. This frightening development was... daily news documented.

The fight is primarily characterized by the statements of the AfD's top candidate Ulrich Siegmund. With his high reach on social media, particularly with 550,000 followers on TikTok, he is able to appeal to and mobilize younger voters. Here, however, the CDU's top candidate Sven Schulze, who was chosen by Reiner Haseloff as his preferred successor, still has to make a name for himself. Despite his position as economics minister, he is largely unknown to many voters.

The CDU is catching up

In order to combat this loss of importance, the CDU Saxony-Anhalt has called a crisis meeting of the expanded state executive board. The focus is on putting the party in a better position for the upcoming election and putting one or two innovative ideas into practice. The political heavyweight Reiner Haseloff is also planned to support the election campaign because his popularity of 94 percent could help the CDU regain lost ground.

However, the challenges are great. The dissatisfaction with the current government is palpable and the CDU is struggling on many fronts. While the AfD scores points with populist issues, the coalition parties - SPD and FDP - struggle with significantly lower approval ratings of 7 percent and less than 3 percent, respectively. This makes the hope of stronger support for the CDU rather low.

Political issues in focus

What concerns voters are primarily questions about refugees and migration (21 percent), followed by education (13 percent) and the economy (7 percent). Given these issues, the CDU also has to deal with its own budget policy and the immense economic concerns of its citizens. The economic problems are no secret: from the cancellation of a multi-billion dollar project by Intel in Magdeburg to the closure of part of the chemical company Dow in Schkopau - the concerns are great.

Nevertheless, there is also positive news: Daimler Truck's settlement near Halberstadt will create 600 jobs and could at least shed some light on the gloomy economic horizon. It is important for the CDU to put these achievements in the right light in order to be more perceived as a political force again.

The CDU will also focus on innovative approaches to attract skilled workers and improve the framework conditions for companies. This includes the planned reduction in corporate taxation to a maximum of 25 percent, the introduction of tax relief and measures to reduce bureaucracy. A policy change that is ultimately seen as a response to the growing discontent within the population.

Time is running out and the next election is just around the corner. It remains to be seen whether the CDU can catch up with the AfD and present a new image to voters with new concepts and fresh blood in the leadership team. Because one thing is clear: in order for the historical race to catch up to be successful, all stops must be pulled out.

You can find more information about the CDU's strategies and goals on the party's official website at cdu.de.