Hoppermann calls Schwesig's election campaign irresponsible

CDU General Secretary Franziska Hoppermann has accused Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's Minister-President Manuela Schwesig of running a campaign that weakens the political center, calling it "irresponsible." Hoppermann told DPA that Schwesig prioritizes party interests over the state's, and that her personalized campaign against the CDU ultimately helps the AfD. She urged voters to back the CDU to prevent a left-wing majority. Polls for the September 20 state election show the AfD leading, with Schwesig's SPD gaining ground. The CDU has fallen to 7 percent, its worst-ever result, while the Greens hover near the 5 percent threshold. Greens leader Felix Banaszak also criticized Schwesig's campaign as reckless.