Sepp Müller seeks CDU state leadership in Saxony-Anhalt despite Merz criticism

Sepp Müller, a 37-year-old CDU politician, announced his candidacy for the party's state leadership in Saxony-Anhalt on Monday, just hours after Chancellor Friedrich Merz publicly criticized him for undermining the party's top candidate before a disastrous election result. Müller sees himself as a new hope for the CDU despite the rebuke. Merz accused Müller, a deputy parliamentary group leader, of stabbing the lead candidate in the back days before the vote. Müller rejected the criticism, claiming broad support within the state party, and called for a political fresh start with clear boundaries against political extremes. Müller, who lost his direct Bundestag mandate to an AfD candidate in February 2025, is known for provocative actions, including a silent protest against Gregor Gysi. He recently married CSU politician Wolfgang Stefinger, a first for the parliamentary scene.