Merz campaigns for state elections in Saxony-Anhalt, with the AfD as main opponent

In his speech, Merz warned voters about the consequences of voting for the AfD. "Wer möchte, dass Deutschland ein offenes und liberales Land bleibt, und wer möchte, dass Sachsen-Anhalt ein interessanter, auch europäisch interessanter Standort bleibt, der darf am Sonntag nicht die AfD wählen", he declared, tying the local choice to a broader vision of Germany's role in Europe. The sentence, delivered in German, was picked up by several outlets.

The AfD issue and the CDU's strategy

Saxony-Anhalt represents a significant test for the CDU, which is working to consolidate its roots in the eastern Länder after previous state elections. Analysts point out that the competition with the AfD is made more complex by structural issues such as economic transformation, demographics, and the perception of federal institutions.

Among the campaign stops is Leuna, a historic industrial hub tied to the chemical sector, where Merz discussed economic prospects and the investments needed to keep the site competitive. The visit carries symbolic weight in light of the energy transition and industrial reconversion projects affecting the area.

Symbolic stops: Leuna and Quedlinburg

In Quedlinburg, a small town on the edge of the Harz region, Merz addressed issues related to regional development and territorial cohesion. The choice of this location, often overlooked by national media circuits, is part of the CDU's strategy of maintaining a presence even in smaller towns, where competition with the AfD is often played out on the ground of proximity.

On the broader level, the campaign in Saxony-Anhalt is intertwined with the political calendar in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, another eastern Land where the CDU aims to confirm or expand its presence. Observers indicate that Sunday's outcome could influence the party's internal balance and the CDU's positioning at the federal level.

The European context and relations with the East

Merz also reiterated the importance of the link with the European Union, underlining how the economic opportunities and structural funds earmarked for Saxony-Anhalt depend to a significant extent on the European framework. The reference to the EU, a recurring feature of his rallies, also responds to the AfD's Eurosceptic narrative.

On the ground, the campaign is characterized by intense mobilization of the CDU's local branches, with door-to-door initiatives and meetings in districts. Party supporters report growing participation compared with previous rounds, while opponents denounce an excessive focus on attacks on the AfD at the expense of policy proposals.

Polls and voting prospects

Polling published in recent days points to a close race between the CDU and the AfD, with a margin of uncertainty large enough to make the final result unpredictable. Analysts urge caution in interpreting the polls, noting that in Saxony-Anhalt turnout and the transfer of votes among smaller parties can significantly alter the balance.

The campaign is expected to wrap up in the coming days, with a final rally planned in Magdeburg. Merz will return to the Land for the closing push, while the AfD has announced a series of public events at the same time. The state elections in Saxony-Anhalt will be held on Sunday, against a national and international backdrop marked by economic and geopolitical tensions.