Ahead of Saxony-Anhalt election, top candidates reveal hidden talents

Saxony-Anhalt’s leading election candidates set aside policy debates to reveal their less familiar talents, from singing opera in the shower to making gold jewellery.

Minister-President Sven Schulze of the CDU told an election forum hosted by Radio Brocken, RTL and ntv that he had recently attended a Sido concert. “People were very surprised that I, as a CDU representative, knew the lyrics extremely well,” he said. He later told the German Press Agency that his children do not listen to Sido with him because they are either too young or, like his oldest son, prefer other music.

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People were very surprised that I, as a CDU representative, knew the lyrics extremely well.

Schulze’s coalition partner, Environment and Energy Minister Armin Willingmann of the SPD, said he enjoys singing along to classical music at home and in the shower, particularly opera arias. “Most of the time I am louder, but not more accurate than the tenor,” he said.

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Most of the time I am louder, but not more accurate than the tenor.

Green Party lead candidate Susan Sziborra-Seidlitz also described herself as musical. “I am a wonderful karaoke singer,” she said, adding that Radiohead’s “Creep” was her favourite song to perform. She later told dpa, “I can sing Amy Winehouse better.”

The other candidates offered different pursuits. FDP lead candidate Lydia Hüskens, Saxony-Anhalt’s digital and infrastructure minister, said she makes jewellery herself, including rings. Left Party candidate Eva von Angern said she enjoys learning languages. BSW candidate Claudia Wittig said she likes climbing, while AfD candidate Ulrich Siegmund said he enjoys cooking and invited Schulze to a roast beef meal.

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I am a wonderful karaoke singer.