In the MDR election arena for the 2026 state election in Saxony-Anhalt, the top candidates answered questions from citizens in the audience on Wednesday. The debate covered the firewall against the AfD, municipal financing, inclusion of disabled children in schools, drone research, gas supply, and the shortage of skilled workers. Migration was also discussed.
On the firewall issue, the CDU and SPD were in agreement. Sven Schulze (CDU) said he had no intention of cooperating with the AfD: “I am convinced that the AfD does not have the solutions for the future of Saxony-Anhalt.” Armin Willingmann (SPD) was accused by a viewer of trampling democracy underfoot. Willingmann responded that it was a question of attitude and: “Whoever wants to govern in this country must win a majority. That can happen through a coalition.” Eva von Angern (Left) noted that there are debates in the state parliament: “It is not that we don’t talk to each other.” However, women in particular are “shouted down” there by the AfD parliamentary group.
A CDU city councilor from Gardelegen asked about the future financing of municipalities. Ulrich Siegmund (AfD) advocated for savings, while Claudia Wittig (BSW) and Susan Sziborra-Seidlitz (Greens) called for investments. Lydia Hüskens (FDP) wants to save money primarily in the administrations. Lydia Hüskens spoke of many people being cared for in sheltered workshops, but “we often fail to bring people into the primary labor market even though they could manage it,” said Hüskens. Von Angern called inclusion a human right.
On the skilled worker shortage, many participants agreed that migration could help. Sziborra-Seidlitz emphasized that people need a prospect of staying: “Saxony-Anhalt is a wonderful state. We must not let it be talked down.” The candidates also agreed on the daycare supervision ratio, which is to be lowered.
Source: www.mdr.de
