German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has confronted AfD leader Alice Weidel in the Bundestag, labelling her party a "destructive force" and describing its migration policy as "ethnic cleansing" for skilled workers. This exchange follows the anti-immigration party's significant victory in Saxony-Anhalt, where it secured nearly 44% of the vote.
Merz argued that the AfD's proposed "remigration" policy would impact millions and damage German interests, particularly by affecting skilled workers with migration backgrounds. He warned that such plans could cripple essential services like care homes, hospitals, and restaurants.
Weidel, leader of the main opposition party, countered by stating that the election results demonstrated the failure of Merz's coalition government. She accused his administration of leading Germany towards bankruptcy and highlighted the Christian Democrats' reduced vote share in Saxony-Anhalt.
Despite the AfD's success in Saxony-Anhalt, it remains uncertain if the party will form a government, having missed an outright majority by three seats. The AfD has indicated openness to working with another party, such as the left-wing populist BSW, provided it supports Ulrich Siegmund as state premier.