Merz says AfD win in Saxony-Anhalt would deter investors
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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said a victory for the far-right AfD in Saxony-Anhalt's September 6 state election would harm the region by deterring foreign investors. He also announced a government response to Russian hybrid threats within days and confirmed the 2038 coal exit target.
Key Facts
- The AfD leads polls in Saxony-Anhalt with 42% support ahead of the September 6 state election.
- Merz said he cannot imagine international investors attending a groundbreaking or opening in Saxony-Anhalt if the state premier is from the AfD.
- Merz announced a federal government response to Russian hybrid threats will come within days, coordinated with NATO and EU partners.
- Merz confirmed the government aims to implement the coal phase-out law by 2038, with replacement power plants operational by then.
Saxony-Anhalt Election Warning
Chancellor Friedrich Merz said a possible AfD victory in Saxony-Anhalt's September 6 state election would cause serious problems for the region. He cited the party's 42% poll lead and said international investors would not attend a groundbreaking or opening ceremony if the state premier were from the AfD. Merz stressed that the decision rests with the state's residents and expressed skepticism about banning the AfD, calling a party ban a last resort.
Russia Hybrid Threats Response
Merz announced that the federal government will respond to Russian hybrid threats within days, with broad consensus reached in the cabinet. The response is expected to be coordinated with Germany's NATO and EU partners. The announcement comes nearly a month after a drone with explosives was found near a Ukrainian cargo plane at Leipzig/Halle Airport.
Coal Exit Commitment
Merz confirmed the government aims to implement the coal phase-out law by 2038 and sees no need to discuss postponing the deadline. He said replacement power plants must be operational by then, with twelve years remaining to achieve the goal. The statement followed CDU/CSU deputy parliamentary group leader Sepp Müller questioning the coal exit due to high gas prices and doubts about timely construction of new gas plants.
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Merz says AfD win in Saxony-Anhalt would deter investors
