Saxony-Anhalt leader confident CDU members won't defect to AfD

Sven Schulze, the Minister President of Saxony-Anhalt, has firmly ruled out the possibility of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party securing a majority in the state parliament through members defecting from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU).

Speaking in the Politico Playbook Berlin podcast, Schulze stated his certainty regarding the loyalty of his party's candidates. "For the CDU, I can rule that out," he said. "I know all the candidates and that will not happen." He emphasized that the CDU candidates are running to implement the party's policies, not those of any other political group.

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For the CDU, I can rule that out. I know all the candidates and that will not happen.

Schulze's comments come amid significant political tension in the state, with the AfD currently leading in opinion polls by a wide margin. Surveys indicate the AfD could garner around 41 percent of the vote, while the CDU is polling at approximately 24 percent ahead of the state election scheduled for September 6.

The Minister President's assertion aims to reassure voters and party members about the CDU's internal cohesion and commitment to its platform, despite the challenging electoral landscape. The upcoming election is seen as a critical test for the established parties in the face of the AfD's rising popularity.

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These candidates intend to implement CDU policies and not those of another party.