In Saxony-Anhalt, Sven Schulze takes on far-right AfD

In Saxony-Anhalt, Sven Schulze, the state premier, is campaigning against the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party as the eastern German state prepares for an election on September 6. Schulze's center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) currently holds around 23% of the vote, while the AfD leads with over 40% support according to recent polls.

If the AfD secures over 50% of the vote, they could potentially form a government in Saxony-Anhalt, forcing Schulze to attempt to form a coalition with other parties or risk losing office.

Schulze, who is 47 years old and a qualified industrial engineer, has been actively campaigning for the past several months. He is touring the state of 2 million inhabitants, engaging in small group discussions and using unconventional methods to connect with voters. His messages often emphasize his commitment to bringing issues from Saxony-Anhalt to Berlin, rather than selling the Berlin government's ideas to the state.

One of Schulze's recurring strategies has been to invite comedian Dieter Hallervorden, a locally popular figure from Saxony-Anhalt, to appear with him at campaign events. Hallervorden, who is not a CDU supporter, has criticized the federal government's defense and arms export policies, drawing attention to the AfD's potential for promoting similar views. Schulze has defended the event, stating that he supports freedom of speech, while rejecting some of Hallervorden's personal viewpoints.

The AfD's campaign has drawn criticism, particularly for echoing Nazi-era language and references to the communist East Germany dictatorship. Schulze has accused the AfD of seeking to return Germany to oppressive eras of the past and has sought to contrast himself and his party with the far-right alternative. At campaign events, he has urged voters to stand up against what he perceives as a potential return to authoritarianism.