Ministerpräsident Sven Schulze (CDU) has rejected the possibility of including AfD members in his cabinet ahead of the Sept. 6, 2026, state election [1].
The stance comes as the CDU faces a significant challenge to its long-term dominance in Saxony-Anhalt. For 24 years, the CDU has maintained continuous rule in the state [2], but recent polling suggests a shift in voter sentiment that could jeopardize that streak.
Current opinion polls show the AfD is significantly ahead of the CDU [3]. This shift has sparked a debate in the political center of Magdeburg regarding the formation of a viable government. If the AfD maintains its lead, other parties may be forced into difficult coalition decisions to prevent the far-right party from taking power.
Schulze has remained firm on his refusal to partner with the AfD. "I say very clearly: with me there will be no minister from the AfD or any..." Schulze said [4]. This position creates a potential deadlock if the AfD emerges as the largest party, as it would limit the mathematical possibilities for a majority government.
Some analysts suggest the AfD could potentially form a government on its own if its lead is substantial enough [5]. However, other reports indicate that the CDU and Die Linke might be the parties forced to make the most difficult compromises to ensure a functioning administration [6].
The upcoming vote on Sept. 6 [1] will determine whether the CDU can maintain its grip on the state or if the AfD will transition from a leading opposition party to a governing force. The result will likely serve as a bellwether for the broader political climate in eastern Germany.
“"I say very clearly: with me there will be no minister from the AfD"”
The situation in Saxony-Anhalt reflects a growing tension between traditional conservative governance and the rise of the AfD in eastern Germany. By ruling out a coalition with the far-right, Schulze is prioritizing a 'cordon sanitaire' over mathematical ease of governance. If the AfD wins the plurality, the state may face a period of political instability or be forced into an unlikely 'grand coalition' with ideological opposites to keep the AfD out of power.
