CDU cancels Magdeburg Presidium Meeting to Focus on Saxony-Anhalt Election

The CDU leadership announced the cancellation of its planned end‑August presidium conference in Magdeburg. The decision was taken at the request of Saxony‑Anhalt Minister‑President Sven Schulze, who wanted the party to concentrate on the campaign for the state election on September 6. Party officials said holding the meeting during the final campaign phase could harm mobilisation, especially as recent polls show the AfD ahead of the CDU in the state. Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz pledged to support Schulze’s campaign, and other Union politicians were scheduled for election‑related duties. The cancellation reflects concerns within the CDU about declining support for the federal government and the strategic need to counter the AfD’s lead in the upcoming vote.