Merz condemns AfD as ‘destructive force’ after Saxony-Anhalt surge

German Chancellor Meets AfD Leader in Heated Bundestag Exchange

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz confronted AfD leader Alice Weidel in the Bundestag after the party’s strong result in Saxony-Anhalt, accusing the AfD of being a “destructive force” and warning that its migration proposals would amount to ethnic cleansing in skilled trades.

Weidel opened the session by saying voters had punished Merz’s coalition and declaring his time was up after the AfD won nearly 44% in Saxony-Anhalt while the CDU fell to 17.2%. Merz responded that the AfD had harmed German interests through its stance toward Russia and defended the government’s careful distinction between contributors to prosperity and those without permanent residency.

Debate turned rowdy as AfD MPs heckled repeatedly and Bundestag President Julia Klöckner warned she might start expelling members, saying the chamber was not a football pitch. Merz emphasized that one in six skilled workers has a migration background, arguing that the AfD’s plan would disrupt care homes, hospitals and restaurants.

The AfD fell three seats short of an outright majority in Saxony-Anhalt and has not yet secured a governing coalition, while the party has indicated it could work with other groups if they back its candidate Ulrich Siegmund for state premier. Merz noted the AfD had not won an outright majority and said it would remain a destructive force.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The AfD achieved almost 44% of the vote in Saxony-Anhalt while the CDU secured 17.2%.

Merz accused the AfD of supporting Russia and said its remigration plans target millions, potentially affecting skilled workers with migration backgrounds.

Parliamentary disruption grew during the exchange, prompting the Bundestag president to threaten expulsions; coalition formation in Saxony-Anhalt remained unresolved as the AfD lacks an outright majority.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• AfD won nearly 44% in Saxony-Anhalt while CDU fell to 17.2%.
• Merz labeled the AfD a “destructive force” and warned its remigration policy would affect skilled workers with migration backgrounds.
• The AfD missed an outright majority by three seats and may seek partners to install Ulrich Siegmund as state premier.