Friday 4th June 2021
Saxony-Anhalt votes on Sunday
Haseloff does not want any cooperation with the AfD
Before the state elections in Saxony-Anhalt, Prime Minister Haseloff is signaling that he is ready to continue the coalition with the SPD and the Greens. At the same time, he makes it clear: A cooperation with the AfD is impossible for him – even if the party could become the second strongest force according to the polls.
Before the state elections in Saxony-Anhalt, Prime Minister Reiner Haseloff of the CDU affirmed that he would clearly rule out any cooperation with the AfD. The high level of trust in him also results from the fact that he is in the middle and there will be no cooperation “in the direction of the right and also not to the left,” said Haseloff in the ZDF “Morgenmagazin”. With the AfD there is “no collaboration, no cooperation, no vote,” said Haseloff in an interview with ntv.
In the election next Sunday he wanted to send a clear signal that the country could only be governed from the center with democratic parties. “I’m in the middle, and there we definitely have options – if the electorate decides wisely – to form a democratic, strong government based on our own majority.” Haseloff signaled his willingness to continue the coalition with the SPD and the Greens. “Our coalition of three has done a good job for the country over the past few years,” the CDU politician told t-online.
Haseloff made it clear in an interview with ntv that he wanted to win back potential AfD voters. “The AfD is more of a topic where a platform is sought to bring out one’s displeasure and frustration. At least they are right-wing extremists. They are sometimes frustrated, also due to unfavorable communication from the federal government in the context of pandemic containment.” , he said. These voters should not be lost. The best way to do this is with a clear position from the middle.
The 67-year-old Haseloff said that it will now be his last legislative term. The election campaign was completely different this year, said the CDU politician ntv. Many events should have taken place online, some even over the phone. All citizens should take the chance to cast their vote on Sunday, said Saxony-Anhalt’s Prime Minister.
The CDU, SPD and Greens have been ruling the country together for five years. According to the current “ZDF” political barometer, the continuation of the so-called Kenya coalition in Magdeburg would be possible. Then the CDU comes to 30 percent, the SPD to ten and the Greens to nine percent. The AfD would be the second strongest force with 23 percent. The FDP would move back into the state parliament with 6.5 percent. The left would only get 11.5 percent. In addition to a Kenya coalition, cooperation between the CDU, SPD and FDP or a Jamaica alliance of CDU, Greens and FDP would be possible.
The election on Sunday is also considered the last mood test for Union Chancellor candidate Armin Laschet before the federal election in September. Around 1.9 million people are entitled to vote in Saxony-Anhalt. In 2016, the turnout was 61.1 percent. The polling stations are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Because of the pandemic, it is expected that many voters have already cast their votes by postal vote.
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