Haseloff's reign concludes in 2026, marking a political campaign devoid of any electoral bonuses.
In the political landscape of Saxony-Anhalt, a significant leadership transition is underway within the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). Minister-President Reiner Haseloff, who has led the state since 2011, has confirmed that he will not run again as the CDU's top candidate for the upcoming state election on September 6, 2026[1]. Instead, Sven Schulze, the current State Minister for Economic Affairs and CDU state leader since March 2021, is set to be the CDU's lead candidate.
Reiner Haseloff, born in 1954, has been a dominant figure in Saxony-Anhalt politics for over a decade. His decision not to seek re-election represents a major change for the CDU in the state[1]. Sven Schulze, born in 1979, is a rising CDU politician with a background in industrial engineering. He served as a Member of the European Parliament from 2014 to 2021. As the current State Minister for Economic Affairs, Schulze is well positioned to lead the party into the 2026 election.
Schulze endorsed Friedrich Merz in the 2022 CDU leadership race at the federal level, indicating his alignment within the party's conservative faction[1]. He has emphasized that he knows the situation of the economy well and is a native of the state, stating that there's almost nothing more beautiful than being able to work for one's home country[1].
Haseloff has consistently expressed concern about the Alternative for Germany (AfD)'s quest for government responsibility, stating that it would be a disaster for the country[1]. In the 2021 state election, the CDU with Haseloff at the helm had an unexpectedly clear victory, putting the long-time equally strong AfD in its place (37.1% vs 20.8%)[1]. However, in the federal election in February 2022, the situation has since reversed: The AfD clearly distanced the CDU in Saxony-Anhalt, with 37.1% of the second votes compared to the CDU's 19.2%[1].
The AfD in Saxony-Anhalt sees itself on a victorious march, aiming to be strong enough after the state election to govern alone[1]. Schulze, on the other hand, is seen as a candidate who brings groundedness, experience, and stability to the CDU[1]. He has announced increased activity on the internet but emphasizes his experience[1]. Sven Schulze, the CDU state leader and Minister for Economics, Tourism, Agriculture, and Forestry, has stated that 5,000 phone numbers are ten times more important for a state than followers on social media[1].
Haseloff has led various coalition governments, including black-red, black-red-green, and CDU, SPD, and FDP. He is often referred to as a "bulwark against the right" by political competitors[1]. As he prepares to step down, Haseloff has announced that this will be his last legislative period[1]. The CDU aims to present itself as a stable alternative to the AfD in the upcoming election[1].
References: [1] [Source]
- The decision by Reiner Haseloff, a dominant figure in Saxony-Anhalt politics for over a decade, not to seek re-election marks a significant shift in the CDU's policy-and-legislation narrative in the state.
- Migration, war-and-conflicts, and crime-and-justice, among other general-news topics, are likely to gain more attention under the leadership of Sven Schulze, the CDU state leader and Minister for Economics, Tourism, Agriculture, and Forestry.
- The CDU's strategy to present itself as a stable alternative to the AfD in the 2026 state election may lead to discussions and debates in the realm of politics.
- Football, as one of the popular sports in Europe, and sports-betting, being a controversial aspect of it, might become subjects of interest in the political discourse, given the CDU's shifting leadership.
- In light of the increasing accidents, car-accidents, fires, and other calamities, the need for effective crime-and-justice policies within Saxony-Anhalt becomes increasingly significant.
- Sven Schulze, a native of the state, has highlighted his knowledge of the economy and his dedication to working for his home country, suggesting potential reforms in war-and-conflicts, policy-and-legislation, and economy-related spheres.
- The AfD, with its ambition to govern alone after the state election, might face challenges in areas such as migration, war-and-conflicts, and crime-and-justice, stemming from their strong stance and ideologies.
