Germany's Merz attacks AfD in stormy Bundestag debate
Friedrich Merz clashes with AfD leaders in the Bundestag following the far-right party's sweeping election victory in Saxony-Anhalt.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Friedrich Merz clashed with AfD members in the Bundestag after their regional election win.
- The far-right AfD secured nearly 44% of the vote in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt.
- Alice Weidel claimed the government coalition is a failure and pushed Germany toward bankruptcy.
- Merz warned that AfD policies would paralyze the workforce, healthcare, and hospitality sectors.
Germany's political landscape faced renewed turbulence as Chancellor Friedrich Merz engaged in a fierce parliamentary clash following the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party's historic electoral breakthrough in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt, where it captured nearly 44% of the vote.
Opening the session in the Bundestag, AfD leader Alice Weidel argued that Merz's Christian Democrats had been decimated after pulling in just 17.2% of the vote in Saxony-Anhalt. She accused the coalition government of driving Germany toward economic bankruptcy and declared that voters had proven the current administration's time was up.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Merz fired back aggressively, accusing the AfD of damaging German interests through its pro-Russia stance and warning that its remigration proposals would severely impact millions. While acknowledging that deportations remain necessary for specific cases, the chancellor emphasized that his administration carefully distinguishes between individuals contributing to the German economy and those lacking permanent legal status.
The debate grew so chaotic amid continuous heckling from AfD lawmakers that Bundestag President Julia Klöckner threatened to expel individuals from the chamber, reminding the assembly that they were not gathered on a football pitch.
"You are and will remain a destructive force."
Friedrich Merz
This intense parliamentary showdown highlights the growing polarization within German politics, driven by the electoral rise of far-right populist movements in eastern regions. The confrontation underscores the immense pressure facing mainstream parties as they navigate coalition dynamics while attempting to uphold the traditional political firewall against far-right integration.
During the fiery exchange, Merz pointed out that one in six skilled workers in Germany possesses a migration background, cautioning that the AfD's agenda would leave critical sectors such as care homes, hospitals, and restaurants unable to function. He also criticized the far-right party for deceiving voters regarding post-election coalition strategies.
Source: BBC World
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