CDU's Sven Schulze Rides 600 km Across Saxony-Anhalt to Counter AfD

Sven Schulze, the Minister-President of Saxony-Anhalt and a CDU politician, has been in office for only six months, yet he has already embarked on a 600-kilometer cycling tour across the state to counter the far-right AfD party. The tour, which includes a visit to Barleben, north of Magdeburg, highlights the construction site of Germany's most modern state criminal police office (LKA), a project costing approximately 420 million euros and expected to provide 700 jobs. During the visit, Schulze, dressed in cycling gear, stood at the edge of a muddy pit the size of seven football fields, which is currently the largest construction hole in Saxony-Anhalt. Around 30 people gathered, including the LKA's director, construction workers, party members, and the press. Thomas Poege, head of the state-owned real estate company created specifically for such projects, gave a lengthy update on the construction progress, noting that the project is on track budget-wise. The article, written by Jan Mohnhaupt for Der Freitag, portrays Schulze as a politician under pressure, with the tour seen as a strategic move to bolster support ahead of elections. The piece also mentions that Schulze has two bells on his bicycle, a detail that underscores his approachable, campaign-style demeanor. The tour is part of a broader effort by the CDU to regain ground against the AfD, which has been gaining popularity in the region.