Sven Schulze’s Campaign Stirs Controversy Over Gaza Genocide Comments with Hallervorden

At a CDU campaign event in Dessau, 90‑year‑old comedian Dieter “Didi” Hallervorden performed alongside Saxony‑Anhalt Minister President and CDU lead candidate Sven Schulze. Hallervorden sang while a background video displayed a protest sign reading “Stop the genocide in Gaza,” which caused irritation within the party.

Schulze said he holds a “completely different” view on the Gaza genocide issue, affirmed Israel’s right to exist and stressed the need to tolerate dissent. CDU general‑secretary Franziska Hoppermann declared that the party does not consider there to be a genocide in Gaza and stands with Israel and Ukraine. Hallervorden said his support aims to prevent an AfD majority in the state.