Germany: Sven Schulze takes on the far-right AfD
The AfD is way ahead in the polls in the eastern German state of Saxony-Anhalt. But the young state premier insists he can stop the far-right from leading a government for the first time since World War II.
Sven Schulze, the state premier of Saxony-Anhalt, is actively campaigning ahead of the upcoming election on September 6. The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is polling at over 40%, significantly higher than Schulze's center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) at around 23%. The AfD, classified as a confirmed right-wing extremist, has a better chance than ever to take over the state government.
Schulze aims to keep the AfD below 50% in the vote to prevent them from forming a majority government, thereby forcing them to seek a coalition partner and potentially ruling them out of forming a government. This is the first time in German history that an incumbent premier is facing a state election while still in office. Schulze, at 47, is the youngest of Germany's 16 state premiers.
His campaign has seen him engaging in various activities, from handing out ice cream on hot days to hosting events with comedian Dieter Hallervorden, who has criticized the federal government's defense and arms export policies. Schulze insists that he does not share Hallervorden's views but supports his commitment to freedom of speech.
The AfD has been accused of echoing Nazi language regarding the Bauhaus movement, which Schulze has vehemently opposed, calling it a return to oppressive eras. Schulze's focus remains on addressing local issues, such as businesses relying on foreign employees and exports, and healthcare, warning against blindly following federal recommendations.
Written by urgent.news from DW English (Top Stories)'s reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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