Friedrich Merz Clashes With AfD's Alice Weidel Following Landmark Election Result

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz engaged in a heated parliamentary debate with Alternative for Germany (AfD) leader Alice Weidel following the anti-immigration party's major victory in the state election in Saxony-Anhalt. Merz denounced the AfD as a "destructive force" in the Bundestag, arguing that its migration policies would severely damage Germany's economy and amount to "ethnic cleansing" for skilled labor based on origin and skin color.

The sharp exchange followed Sunday's vote in Saxony-Anhalt, where the AfD secured nearly 44% of the ballot. In contrast, Chancellor Merz's conservative Christian Democrats saw their support drop by half, securing just 17.2%. Despite its sweeping victory, the AfD fell three seats short of an absolute majority, leaving its ability to form a state government uncertain. No far-right party has held power in a German state since World War Two, a development Merz described as a "seismic" shift for the country's political landscape.

Tensions Flare Over Migration and Economic Impact

During the session, Weidel declared that the vote demonstrated the total failure of Merz's coalition government with the Social Democrats, claiming his administration was leading the nation toward bankruptcy. She argued that mass migration had led to rising violent crime. In response, Merz emphasized that one in six skilled workers in Germany has a migration background, warning that the AfD's proposed "remigration" offensive would prevent care homes, hospitals, and restaurants from functioning effectively. He noted that while his government supports necessary deportations for those without permanent residency, it carefully distinguishes them from migrants contributing to national prosperity.

Merz also condemned the AfD's support for Russia and accused the party of misleading voters regarding state coalition plans. The AfD in Saxony-Anhalt, which domestic intelligence classifies as "right-wing extremist," previously indicated it would only govern with an outright majority, but has since expressed openness to working with other political forces, such as the left-wing populist BSW. Representatives from the AfD have urged mainstream parties to tear down the traditional "firewall" policy that excludes the far right from governing coalitions.

Parliamentary Disruption and International Reactions

The debate experienced frequent interruptions due to intense heckling from AfD lawmakers. The disruption prompted Bundestag President Julia Klöckner to warn members that she would expel individuals from the chamber if order was not maintained.

The election outcome drew international commentary, including praise from US President Donald Trump, who attributed the AfD's success to strict opposition to current immigration regulations. A planned phone call between Trump and Chancellor Merz, scheduled to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, was postponed by German officials without a specified reason or a rescheduled date.