Merz and Weidel Clash in Bundestag After AfD’s Saxony-Anhalt Victory

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz engaged in a heated parliamentary dispute with Alternative for Germany (AfD) leader Alice Weidel, branding her party a “destructive force” and accusing it of advocating for “ethnic cleansing” regarding its migration policies. The confrontation occurred shortly after the AfD achieved a significant electoral breakthrough in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt.

The clash took place against the backdrop of a landmark election result where the anti-immigration party secured nearly 44% of the vote. In contrast, Merz’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) saw its support plummet to 17.2%, effectively halving its previous standing. Weidel asserted that the election results demonstrated the failure of Merz’s coalition with the Social Democrats, declaring that his tenure had ended.

Merz countered by criticizing the AfD’s alignment with Russia and its “remigration” agenda, warning that such policies would impact millions of residents. He specifically highlighted that one in six skilled workers in Germany has a migration background, arguing that the AfD’s proposals would amount to discrimination based on skin color and origin within the skilled trades sector.

Tensions in the chamber escalated as AfD members repeatedly interrupted the proceedings, prompting Bundestag President Julia Klöckner to threaten expulsions and remark that the assembly was “not a football pitch.” During the session, Weidel cited concerns over crime and safety, while Merz cautioned that the AfD’s deportation plans would cripple essential services, including care homes, hospitals, and restaurants.

Although the AfD celebrated their success, with US President Donald Trump praising the outcome and linking it to criticism of German immigration rules, the party fell short of an outright majority by three seats. It remains uncertain whether they can form a government in Saxony-Anhalt, a scenario that would be unprecedented for a far-right party in any of Germany’s 16 states since the Second World War.

The AfD, designated as right-wing extremist by domestic intelligence, has signaled openness to cooperation with other parties, including the left-wing populist BSW, provided they support Ulrich Siegmund as state premier. Meanwhile, discussions have emerged regarding a potential alliance with the CDU if it abandons the “firewall” policy that currently prevents mainstream parties from partnering with the far right.