Lawmakers in German state elect new governor to counter far-right rise

Eastern German State Elects New Governor in Bid to Counter Far-Right Momentum

Lawmakers in the eastern German state of Saxony-Anhalt elected a new governor on Wednesday, implementing a political transition aimed at strengthening mainstream parties against the rising influence of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) ahead of crucial regional elections.

The state legislature chose Sven Schulze, 46, a member of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), to replace Reiner Haseloff, who has led the state since 2011. Schulze, who previously served as Saxony-Anhalt’s economy minister, was designated last year as the CDU’s gubernatorial candidate for the upcoming state election scheduled for September 6.

While midterm leadership transitions are common in German regional politics, allowing successors to establish public profiles before elections, Haseloff’s decision represents a strategic political calculation. The 71-year-old governor, who initially appeared determined to complete his term, announced his early departure this month amid growing concerns about AfD’s surging popularity in the region.

“This transition gives our candidate the chance to demonstrate leadership before voters head to the polls,” a CDU party spokesperson said, speaking on condition of anonymity. “Governor Haseloff’s decision reflects the seriousness with which mainstream parties view the current political landscape.”

The move underscores the challenging political environment in Germany’s eastern states, where AfD has gained substantial support. The far-right party is particularly strong in formerly communist regions that continue to lag economically behind western Germany more than three decades after reunification. In these areas, AfD has successfully capitalized on voter frustrations regarding migration, economic stagnation, and perceived neglect from the federal government in Berlin.

AfD became the second-largest party in Germany’s federal parliament following last year’s national election and has continued to gain momentum in regional polls. Earlier this year, the party achieved a milestone by emerging as the largest political force in neighboring Thuringia’s state election, though it remains unable to form a government due to the refusal of mainstream parties to enter coalitions with it.

Political analysts note that incumbent governors in eastern states have sometimes successfully fended off AfD challenges by leveraging their personal popularity and name recognition. Haseloff himself employed this advantage when he secured reelection in 2021 despite strong AfD performance.

“By stepping down now, Haseloff gives Schulze several months to establish himself as a de facto incumbent,” said Thomas Krüger, political scientist at the University of Halle. “This could prove crucial in a close election where personal recognition matters almost as much as party affiliation.”

Saxony-Anhalt, home to approximately 2.2 million people, faces significant economic and demographic challenges, including population decline, aging communities, and industrial transformation. These factors have contributed to political volatility and created fertile ground for populist messaging.

The September election will serve as a critical test for Germany’s established political parties and their strategies for countering far-right influence. Similar contests will follow in two other eastern states, Brandenburg and Saxony, where AfD also polls strongly.

Despite its electoral successes, AfD has yet to assume governmental power in any German state, largely due to the cordon sanitaire maintained by mainstream parties. However, its growing popularity continues to reshape German politics and force strategic adaptations among traditional parties.

As Schulze assumes office, he faces the immediate challenge of establishing his leadership credentials while addressing the underlying concerns that have fueled AfD’s rise in eastern Germany.