NewsMerkel's CDU prevails in key regional elections in Saxony-Anhalt

Merkel's CDU prevails in key regional elections in Saxony-Anhalt

Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has clearly prevailed in the regional elections of the state of Saxony-Anhalt with 37 percent of the vote. These are the last elections before the historic federal elections on September 26, the first in 16 years without Merkel as a candidate.

The CDU would thus impose itself on the other formations, since the next by vote would be the ultra-right Alternative for Germany (AfD, 20.8 percent), followed by La Izquierda (11.2 percent), according to the latest results collected by German public television ARD.

The historic Social Democratic Party (SPD) remains at 8.3 percent , still ahead of Los Verdes (6.1 percent) and the Free Democratic Party (FDP, 6.4 percent).

This result is a boost for the CDU, as polls predicted a meager victory for the Conservatives with 26 percent, just two points ahead of AfD. In addition, it is an endorsement for the CDU candidate for the Chancellery, Armin Laschet. “Of course, this also gives us a boost for Berlin. Now we have won. That is why it is also a victory for Armin Laschet, “said the CDU parliamentary spokesman, Ralph Brinkhaus, in statements to the ARD.

Saxony-Anhalt is home to an important part of Germany’s cultural heritage, as the origin of the Bauhaus art and design movement . However, the youth exodus has led to an aging population, much of it conservative and supportive of the AfD.

The participation has been at 61 percent, similar to the last of 2016, according to ZDF. The drop in support for the AfD, however, facilitates the return to power of the current Chief Minister of the State, Reiner Haseloff, (CDU) in coalition with the Social Democrats, the Greens and even the Liberal Democrats.

For his part, Haseloff was very satisfied after the clear victory of the CDU. ” We can win if we play together, ” he said in reference to the federal elections in September.

The CDU’s victory represents a major boost for Laschet, who has yet to get the necessary boost after his nomination in April.

Laschet has denied any type of agreement with AfD and has warned that he will expel any member of the CDU who tries to reach a government pact with them for the state. The far-right movement is going through a national crisis due to its internal dissensions , but its performance at the local level, particularly in this state, continues to be of considerable importance.

Merkel robbed while shopping in a delicatessen supermarket

A theft in a supermarket - actually sounds unspectacular. But the victim is the former German head of government.

Today on Arte: "Angela Merkel – In the course of time" – Of total...

The film "Angela Merkel - In the course of time" is a TV portrait of the former Chancellor, staged by documentary filmmaker Torsten Körner.

Today on ARD: Olli Dittrich in "I was Angela Merkel" – How Sandro Zahlemann...

As Sandro Zahlemann on ARD, Olli Dittrich knows who really governed us in the year that is coming to an end. The TV review.

Biermann birthday with Merkel, Scholz, Steinmeier

Wolf Biermann was celebrated by political leaders on his 85th birthday. Even Merkel pays tribute to the songwriter. The Biermann and Merkel / Sauer couples have been friends for years.

Longing for “frigid” times: Wolfgang Joop outraged with misogynistic statements

In an interview with Spiegel, Wolfgang Joop gossips about politicians and reminisces about the times of Karl Lagerfeld - in all their cruelty.

More