Key Takeaways
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz accuses Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) of seeking 'ethnic cleansing'.
- AfD won nearly 44% of the vote in Saxony-Anhalt state election.
- Merz warns the far-right party's campaign could harm the German economy.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has accused the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) of seeking 'ethnic cleansing' with its 'remigration' drive, following the party's significant victory in a state election.
In his first public confrontation with the AfD since the election, Merz stated at a parliamentary debate that the party's campaign of mass deportations would 'take an axe to one of the pillars of the German economy'.
The AfD's victory in the Saxony-Anhalt state election, where it secured nearly 44% of the vote, has sparked widespread concern among political leaders and observers.
Merz's comments came during a raucous parliamentary debate, where he emphasized the potential damage the AfD's policies could inflict on Germany's social fabric and economic stability.
The chancellor's criticism highlights the growing tension between the far-right party and the mainstream political establishment in Germany.
AfD's campaign, which includes calls for 'remigration' of non-Germans, has been met with strong opposition from other parties and civil society groups.
In his speech, Merz warned that the AfD's policies could 'divide our society', underscoring the party's controversial stance and its impact on national unity.
The AfD's success in the election has prompted calls for increased scrutiny of the party's policies and a stronger response from the government to address the concerns raised by its supporters and critics alike.
