Landtagswahl: Merz bleibt im Wahlkampf in Sachsen-Anhalt abgeschottet

Bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz made his second campaign visit to Sachsen-Anhalt, cautioning against the economic and societal implications of an AfD state government. Speaking in Leuna during a joint visit to UPM's bio-refinery with Minister-President Sven Schulze, he urged voters to choose against the AfD on Sunday to ensure Germany remains open and liberal, and Sachsen-Anhalt remains an attractive and Europe-oriented location.

Merz, who previously campaigned in Quedlinburg, interacted only with UPM management and the company's works council, not with the general electorate. The AfD is leading the polls in Sachsen-Anhalt, with a strong chance of securing an absolute majority. Merz had his first campaign appearance just a week before the election, alongside Schulze in Quedlinburg, meeting with local politicians and officials.

However, there was no direct voter contact in either location; only joint statements were made to the media. Merz's primary criticism of the AfD focused on their stance towards the European Union, warning that leaving the single market, Schengen, and the EU would undermine the very projects underway in Sachsen-Anhalt, such as UPM's 1.3 billion Euro investment in converting wood into basic chemicals.