In Saxony-Anhalt, the coalition parties CDU, SPD, and FDP have approved the early transition from Minister President Reiner Haseloff to Sven Schulze. The 71-year-old Haseloff seeks to continue the black-red-yellow coalition without changes to ministry distributions. The aim is to give Schulze an incumbency advantage ahead of the 2026 state election.
The state executives of the CDU, SPD, and FDP in Saxony-Anhalt have given the green light for the early handover of the minister president position from Reiner Haseloff to Sven Schulze. Haseloff, in office since 2011 and Germany's longest-serving minister president, signaled his willingness to step down to coalition partners on the condition that the CDU-SPD-FDP coalition in place since 2021 continues. The parties agreed in writing to retain the coalition agreement and ministry distribution.
"From our side, there is now a green light," Schulze told the German Press Agency. As CDU state leader and economy minister, he plans to lead the government through 2026 and beyond. "We will show that we solve challenges together. It must not be about election campaigning for months now, but decisions must be made," he emphasized.
The move aims to make Schulze known as head of government before the state election on September 6, 2026, and build an incumbency bonus. Polls show the AfD at up to 40 percent ahead of the CDU at 26 to 27 percent, raising fears that the AfD could take power in a state for the first time.
SPD state deputy Armin Willingmann, the SPD's lead candidate, stressed the need for continuity: "In turbulent times, a state above all needs reliability. That's what this is about now: continuity and a capable government for Saxony-Anhalt." The SPD is striving to ensure democratic forces retain the majority. FDP state leader Lydia Hüskens recommends Schulze's election to the parliamentary group, despite dissenting votes in the executive.
The CDU and SPD parliamentary groups support the transition unanimously. A press conference is scheduled for Tuesday in Magdeburg. Schulze could be elected by the state parliament at the end of January. No major cabinet reshuffle is planned; Finance Minister Michael Richter will temporarily handle parts of the economy ministry. Schulze intends to manage economic tasks, such as the chemical industry crisis, from the state chancellery. Personnel continuity remains: Willingmann as science and environment minister, Petra Grimm-Benne as health and social affairs minister. Willingmann thanked Haseloff for the smooth cooperation in difficult times.
