Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has ruled out supporting an AfD-led state government in Saxony-Anhalt, keeping the far-right party short of the majority it needs to govern after its strong election result.
CDU parliamentary group leader Sven Schulze said on Sunday that no CDU lawmaker would switch to the Alternative for Germany (AfD) or support it in forming a government. The CDU, which governed the state for 24 years, is preparing to move into opposition.
The AfD won 43.8 percent of the vote in the state election four weeks ago and secured 39 seats, three short of an absolute majority. The CDU, SPD, Greens and Left Party have ruled out exploratory talks with the AfD, while the party has been negotiating with the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW).
The composition of the next state government remains uncertain. The election has intensified debate in Germany over cooperation with the AfD and the political consequences of the party’s growing strength in eastern Germany.
