Left Party co-leader signals potential support for CDU in Saxony-Anhalt
Left Party federal leader Luigi Pantisano indicated Die Linke could support CDU candidate Sven Schulze in Saxony-Anhalt to block an AfD government.
Ahead of the upcoming state election in Saxony-Anhalt, Left Party federal co-leader Luigi Pantisano indicated that his party could consider voting for CDU lead candidate Sven Schulze to prevent the Alternative for Germany (AfD) from taking executive power.
Speaking during public broadcaster ZDF’s annual summer interview series, Pantisano emphasized that Die Linke has historically demonstrated political responsibility across eastern German states, citing past cooperation in Thuringia, Saxony, and Saxony-Anhalt. The willingness to support a CDU minister-president represents a pragmatic shift, following Pantisano's recent harsh public attacks against the Christian Democrats. However, he maintained that blocking a far-right state administration remains a core political objective.
Sources: FAZ, Tagesschau, Die Zeit, Der Spiegel
How outlets assessed this
- Aug 11, 2026, 03:30 AM UTC
- Tagesschau Neutral Focused on the political pragmatism of Pantisano's statement, noting its contrast with his recent harsh rhetoric against the CDU.
- Der Spiegel Critical Framed Pantisano's appearance as overly radical and unfocused, criticizing his economic proposals regarding expropriation and state control.
- Der Standard Skeptical Focuses on economists dismissing the AfD's Saxony-Anhalt election platform as an unrealistic, unworkable scheme.
- Handelsblatt Neutral Highlights the personality-driven campaign momentum and broad public appeal surrounding AfD lead candidate Ulrich Siegmund.
- FAZ Alarmed Warns that parties, including the AfD, are dangerously exploiting East German grievances and identity politics for electoral gain.
Sources
- Die Zeit — Landtagswahl in Sachsen-Anhalt: Linken-Chef schließt CDU-Unterstützung in Sachsen-Anhalt nicht aus
- FAZ — Deutschland-Liveblog: Linke schließt Unterstützung für CDU in Sachsen-Anhalt nicht aus
- Tagesschau — Linken-Chef Pantisano schließt Unterstützung für CDU in Sachsen-Anhalt nicht aus
- Der Spiegel — Sommerinterview mit Luigi Pantisano von Die Linke: Vergesellschaftung als Allheilmitteln
Earlier coverage
- Aug 15, 2026, 03:30 PM UTCAfD intensifies eastern state election campaign amid scrutiny of economic and regional pledges