The election campaign in Saxony is entering the home straight one day before the state elections. In Leipzig, the leading candidate of the Left Party, Susanne Schaper, is ending her election campaign. The other major parties had already concluded their election campaigns on Friday and were canvassing for votes with their top candidates. Around 3.3 million people have been called to the polls in Bavaria on Sunday.
Outcome is more open than ever
The outcome is more open than ever. Just like five years ago, the CDU and AfD are running neck-and-neck in the polls. The SPD, Greens and Left Party must fear for a return to parliament. And with the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW), a new player has appeared on the political stage. In the election polls, the BSW is clearly the third strongest force with ratings of up to 15 percent.
Demonstrations for tolerance and democracy
On the day before the election, alliances in Görlitz, Zwickau and Dresden wanted to demonstrate for tolerance and democracy in view of the elections. According to the police, around 8,000 people were registered for the rally in the state capital alone. There will be a corresponding police operation, a spokesperson said on request. More than 70 associations, collectives and groups want to set an example for solidarity, diversity and democracy ahead of the state elections.
CDU and AfD struggle for election victory
The CDU has declared victory as its goal. "The CDU must win, Michael Kretschmer must win. We are playing for victory here," said CDU Secretary General Carsten Linnemann. Minister President Kretschmer is so popular because he shows where he is going and has leadership qualities. "He stands by his opinion. He has attitude. That's exactly the kind of personality this country needs". Kretschmer is a "representative of the people in the truest sense of the word".
The AfD leadership expects the state election to provide a tailwind for the 2025 federal election. "The future of Germany will be decided in Saxony, Thuringia and later in Brandenburg," said co-chair Alice Weidel at an AfD election rally in Görlitz in Saxony.
Data on the state election
In Saxony, 19 parties are standing for election. There are 60 constituencies in total. Voters can cast two crosses. The first vote is used to elect a direct candidate in the respective constituency, the second vote or state vote is used to elect a party. A total of 120 seats are up for grabs in the state parliament, of which 60 are direct seats and 60 are list seats. The number could increase due to overhang and compensatory seats.
The polling stations open on Sunday at 8.00 am and close at 6.00 pm. The state parliament currently consists of five parliamentary groups: CDU, AfD, Linke, Greens and SPD. The CDU, Greens and SPD form the governing coalition. The AfD and the Left are in opposition.
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