Key facts
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the AfD's 'remigration' plans as 'ethnic cleansing'.
- Merz warned that mass deportations would devastate Germany's economy, particularly its skilled trades and essential services.
- The AfD recently won a significant victory in the Saxony-Anhalt state election.
- Merz accused the AfD of supporting Russian disinformation campaigns and ignoring security threats.
- AfD co-leader Alice Weidel stated that the AfD will govern after the next national election.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz delivered his sharpest critique to date of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, labeling their "remigration" proposals as a direct synonym for "ethnic cleansing" and warning of dire economic consequences.
Speaking in the Bundestag, Merz argued that the forced departure of foreign workers would cripple essential sectors of the German economy, including skilled trades, nursing homes, hospitals, and restaurants. He highlighted that "one in six workers in the skilled trades holds a foreign passport."
Merz's strong condemnation follows the AfD's substantial victory in the recent Saxony-Anhalt state election, where the party narrowly missed an absolute majority. The concept of "remigration," a far-right idea encompassing the removal of immigrants and their descendants, was a central theme in the AfD's election program for the state. Lead candidate Ulrich Siegmund's attendance at a meeting discussing mass deportations of "non-assimilated" German citizens further fueled the controversy.
The chancellor's remarks come as his own approval ratings have declined, contributing to his party's significant losses in Saxony-Anhalt. The AfD, now leading in national polls, aims to seize power in the next general election, scheduled for 2029.
AfD national co-leader Alice Weidel, speaking before Merz, dismissed the election results as irrelevant to the AfD's ambitions, stating that "your time is up" and that the people desire a change in policy, which the AfD intends to deliver.
Merz also criticized the AfD's stance on Russia, accusing the party of downplaying security threats and supporting Russian disinformation campaigns aimed at destabilizing Germany. He referenced a recent drone attack on Leipzig-Halle airport, suggesting the AfD's silence on the matter indicated their complicity in aiding the Kremlin's efforts.