MDR: Business and Science Concerned Over International Talent Post-State Election

MDR Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk – News from Germany

Following the state election in Saxony-Anhalt, leaders in business and science have voiced concerns about the impact of the election results on the region's ability to attract international experts and foreign investment. They emphasize that openness and international relations are crucial for the region's future economic growth.

"It is also about investors, and we need international trade relations that come to Saxony-Anhalt," said Sascha Gläßer, president of the Halle-Dessau Chamber of Industry and Commerce, to MDR. He highlighted the critical importance of attracting skilled professionals from abroad.

Jens Strackeljan, rector of the Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, also stressed the university's international profile. "We have promised a secure campus and have developed it over recent years. The university will continue to work for an open-minded and high-quality academic education," Strackeljan stated.

Concerns were also raised regarding disinformation campaigns during the election period. Election observers reported that both domestic and foreign actors attempted to undermine confidence in the electoral process. Russian propaganda networks were specifically mentioned as suspected of trying to influence the election outcome.

The AfD party performed significantly better in direct voting than in postal voting. Without the postal votes, the party, classified as right-wing extremist by the domestic intelligence agency, would have achieved an absolute majority.