Haseloff has been a significant voice for Eastern Germany and was previously considered for a federal ministerial role after the Bundestagswahl.

The CDU faces challenges in the upcoming elections, as Schulze has limited time to establish his public profile and may struggle without a strong candidate like Haseloff.

At 71, Haseloff is Germany's longest-serving Minister-President, having held the position since 2011 across various coalition governments.

Concerns are mounting within the CDU about how to effectively position itself against the rising influence of the far-right AfD, particularly as they are now seen as a significant political force in Sachsen-Anhalt.

Schulze's campaign will prioritize migration, economic stability, and social justice, aiming to keep the CDU at the forefront of the election narrative rather than allowing the AfD to dominate.

Haseloff has endorsed Schulze, highlighting the importance of distinguishing the CDU from the AfD to avoid disastrous governance.

The departure of Haseloff poses risks for the CDU, as the AfD is expected to intensify efforts to challenge traditional Union parties in Sachsen-Anhalt.

Schulze has committed to continuing Haseloff's policies, emphasizing stability and a refusal to form coalitions with the AfD, despite some party members advocating for such cooperation.

With just over a year until the election, Schulze faces the challenge of raising his public profile and establishing a strong presence, particularly given his current limited ministerial role.

Recent polling indicates a significant shift in voter preference, with the AfD leading at 37.1%, while the CDU has fallen to 19.2%, highlighting the challenges ahead.

The upcoming election marks a pivotal moment for the CDU, as they must confront their relationship with the AfD, a topic that Haseloff's leadership had previously allowed them to navigate more comfortably.

Sven Schulze has been appointed as the CDU's leading candidate for the Sachsen-Anhalt state elections in 2026, taking over from long-time Minister-President Reiner Haseloff, who will not seek re-election.