Sepp Müller seeks to become CDU leader in Saxony-Anhalt after election defeat

Following its election defeat in Saxony-Anhalt, Bundestag member Sepp Müller has announced his candidacy for state CDU chairman. He stated his intention after a state board meeting in Magdeburg. The announcement follows the CDU's significant loss to the AfD, which won the state election but missed an absolute majority. Müller's bid comes amid criticism from Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who said Müller had undermined the party's own lead candidate during the campaign. The AfD's victory has triggered widespread concern, with protests in Berlin and warnings from officials about the potential for an AfD-led state government. The party is classified as right-wing extremist by the state's intelligence service.