Overview
- The CDU–SPD–FDP coalition plans to support CDU politician Sven Schulze for minister-president in a Landtag vote on January 28.
- Schulze’s current economics post will not be refilled, with Finance Minister Michael Richter assuming responsibility for economic affairs.
- Opposition parties, including the Greens, criticize the consolidation of the economics portfolio and warn it needs dedicated leadership.
- Haseloff rejects claims that polling or pressure from the federal CDU drove his decision and frames the move as respecting party procedures.
- Recent polling places the three governing parties at about 35% versus 40% for the AfD, and Haseloff will remain a Landtag member until the state election.