Reiner Haseloff, former Minister President of Saxony-Anhalt, attributed the AfD's strength to distrust in established parties in an interview with Süddeutsche Zeitung. He warned of the consequences of a potential AfD government after the state election on September 6. A coalition with the AfD is out of the question for the CDU, as it aims to destroy the party.
Reiner Haseloff (CDU), who stepped down as Minister President of Saxony-Anhalt in January, criticized the AfD sharply. In an interview with Süddeutsche Zeitung, he said the party's strength stems from crises. «Workers, bourgeois, pensioners, and especially many young people no longer trust the parties of the democratic center much and vote far right,» he stated.
Haseloff described disillusionment, particularly in the East: «The Deutschland AG no longer exists in many places, our key industries are struggling. We feel that 'Made in Germany' is no longer a sure thing.» He highlighted the states' competencies in education, internal security, and constitutional protection.
Haseloff warned against an AfD government after the state election on September 6: The AfD «wants a different system.» He cited abolishing compulsory schooling as an example, which would «shake the entire education system.» States decide on schoolbooks and building regulations.
On a potential coalition with the AfD, the 72-year-old ruled it out. He shares the view of his successor Sven Schulze: «Why should the CDU coalition with a party whose top goal is to destroy the CDU?» Schulze is running as the CDU lead candidate.
