Sepp Müller challenges Merz criticism in bid for CDU state chairmanship

Sepp Müller is running for CDU state chairman in Saxony-Anhalt, aiming to rebuild the party with a clear stance against political extremes. He announced his candidacy after Chancellor Friedrich Merz publicly criticized him for remarks made before the state election. Müller, a 37-year-old deputy parliamentary group leader, said there can be no cooperation with the far left or far right. His announcement follows the CDU's collapse from 37.1% to 17.2% in the state election, reducing its seats from 40 to 15. Incumbent chairman Sven Schulze, who led the party to defeat, said he does not plan to run again. A new leadership vote is scheduled for late November or early December. Müller rejected Merz's criticism, saying the party's majority does not share it.