Söder urges pragmatism toward the Left after Saxony-Anhalt election

Markus Söder is signaling that political pragmatism may be necessary in Saxony-Anhalt after the state election. The CSU leader said CDU Minister-President Sven Schulze could build a “good and constructive government” even if no traditional majority emerges.

“

Everyone in Saxony-Anhalt knows what time it is.

That could involve toleration by parties that normally provoke strong resistance from the CDU and CSU. Söder appeared to be referring to the Left party. He told the Rheinische Post that national governments require “stable and clear majorities,” while state governments mainly need to secure parliamentary approval for a budget.

Söder pointed to Saxony and Thuringia as examples. In Thuringia, the CDU, SPD and BSW coalition lacks its own majority. In December 2025, the state parliament passed the budget after the Left parliamentary group largely abstained. The coalition had reached a compromise with the party and accepted some of its demands.

“

good and constructive government

Söder described Schulze as a strong state leader and said he had already shown what he could do as minister-president. “Everyone in Saxony-Anhalt knows what time it is,” Söder told the newspaper. He framed the election as a choice over whether German democracy would face “an epochal break” and whether radical forces would gain the upper hand for the first time in postwar history.

“

stable and clear majorities

The AfD leads the CDU by a wide margin in polling before Sunday’s election. Söder nevertheless predicted a strong result for Schulze. He also rejected cuts to the fiscal equalization system if the AfD wins, while saying the system itself urgently needs reform.

“

an epochal break