
AI-generated summary
The CDU suffered a significant loss of votes in the state elections in Saxony-Anhalt, which led to criticism within the party. The party base sees Chancellor Friedrich Merz as being primarily responsible for the poor result and speaks of a “Chancellor problem”.
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State election in Saxony-Anhalt In the CDU they are now talking about a “Chancellor problem”
The Christian Democrats are shocked by the crash in Saxony-Anhalt, and their eyes are on the Chancellor and party leader. Is Friedrich Merz threatened with an uprising?
By Paul-Anton Krüger and Christian Teevs
September 6, 2026, 10:41 p.m
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The CDU will hold internal discussions about leadership and political direction after the election loss in Saxony-Anhalt.
Likely · Within weeks
Friedrich Merz will experience pressure to defend his position as chancellor and party leader or to draw possible consequences.
Possible · Within months

The AfD clearly won the state elections in Saxony-Anhalt, while the CDU halved its votes. The election raises questions about the ability to govern and shows a clear potential for a shift to the right in the country.
Saxony-Anhalt's CDU chairman Sven Schulze left possible personnel consequences open after the clear state election defeat and announced that he would make a procedural proposal to the federal and state executive boards tomorrow. The first calls for resignation came from former Education Minister Eva Feußner and the Junge Union.

After the state elections in Saxony-Anhalt, the coalition of CDU, CSU and SPD emphasized that stability is their mission, despite the weakness of the SPD and criticism of the Union. The coalition sees itself as the only alternative to populists and emphasizes the need to do what is possible rather than experiment.

After the AfD's success in the state elections in Saxony-Anhalt, representatives of churches, Jewish communities and migrant organizations expressed horror and fear of the rise of right-wing extremist forces. Holocaust survivors warn of the collapse of democracy, while business associations warn of negative consequences for the location. Demonstrators in several cities are calling for a ban on the AfD.
Saxony-Anhalt's CDU chairman Sven Schulze lost in the state elections both nationwide and in the Magdeburg III constituency. He received 31.7 percent of the initial votes, while AfD candidate Christian Mertens won with 35.2 percent. Schulze was only elected Prime Minister at the beginning of the year.
After the state elections in Saxony-Anhalt, the CDU categorically rules out a coalition with the AfD, despite significant losses. Party leaders such as Thorsten Frei and Ulrich Siegmund emphasize the need to form a stable government without right-wing extremists, while the BSW is keeping discussions open with all parties and the SPD is considering banning parties.