BERLIN, Germany: The Merz-AfD clash intensified Wednesday after Chancellor Friedrich Merz accused the far-right party’s “remigration” policy of amounting to “ethnic cleansing” following its Saxony-Anhalt election victory.
Speaking in the Bundestag on September 9, Merz said the term “remigration” was a synonym for ethnic cleansing based on origin and skin colour. He argued that mass removals of immigrant workers would damage Germany’s economy and essential services.
The Alternative für Deutschland won nearly 44% of the vote in Saxony-Anhalt but finished three seats short of an absolute majority. Its regional candidate Ulrich Siegmund is seeking support from other parties to become state premier.
Merz also cancelled a planned phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump after Trump praised the AfD’s performance on Truth Social.
A spokesperson for the chancellor declined to give a specific reason but pointed to Merz’s objections to foreign commentary on German elections.
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Merz acknowledged that Germany still faces migration challenges and said the government intends to deport more people without permanent residency.
However, he distinguished between those individuals and immigrants who work and contribute to the economy.
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AfD co-leader Alice Weidel described the Saxony-Anhalt result as a rejection of Merz’s leadership and reiterated her party’s aim of eventually forming a federal government. National polling places the AfD at 28% to 29% ahead of further state elections later this month.
