Overview

• Reiner Haseloff cautions that an AfD-led state government after the 2026 election would leave Saxony-Anhalt isolated internationally.
• He argues the sharpest policy levers for an AfD government would be in culture and schools, warning against “imported nationalistic teachers.”
• Haseloff describes the party’s approach as an authoritarian “Systemwechsel” that would pressure minorities, noting the AfD’s classification as right-wing extremist by the Verfassungsschutz in Saxony-Anhalt.
• He predicts swift disenchantment because many AfD campaign promises cannot be enacted at the state level.
• Haseloff will not run again as CDU lead candidate, with party leader and economics minister Sven Schulze set to succeed him, while the AfD seeks the strength to govern alone and the CDU rejects cooperation.