Saxony-Anhalt Premier Admits Election Poster Flaw, Urges Focus on Healthcare

Sven Schulze, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) lead candidate for the state election in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, has responded to public criticism regarding his campaign posters. The controversy stemmed from two posters showing the same woman, once in a wheelchair and once standing, leading to accusations of unrealistic promises and mockery online, with some dubbing him a 'miracle healer'.

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The same woman in two situations in one day, perhaps it wasn't cleverly done. That's true, we'll do better next time.

Schulze acknowledged the visual inconsistency, admitting in a video on X that featuring the same woman in two different situations on the same day was perhaps not a clever execution. He promised improvements for future campaigns. However, he stressed that while he cannot perform miracles, he is committed to ensuring accessible healthcare and support for the elderly as state governor.

Speaking from his campaign trail across the state, Schulze noted that voters have not raised the poster issue directly. Instead, their concerns revolve around the availability of doctors in the future and where they will come from, as well as the support system for aging populations needing care. He urged a return to discussing these substantive issues facing Saxony-Anhalt.

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It would solve some problems in Saxony-Anhalt faster if I could perform miracles. But unfortunately, that's not the case. I cannot promise you miracles. But I am running as Minister President to ensure that a doctor is within reach when you need one.

The state is heading for elections in three weeks, with polls showing the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party leading significantly at over 40 percent. This could potentially result in Ulrich Siegmund, an AfD politician, becoming the state's head of government. The CDU currently trails far behind the AfD with 24 percent, while the Social Democratic Party (SPD) faces the possibility of being entirely ousted from the state parliament.

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I would suggest that we simply talk about Saxony-Anhalt again.