German Chancellor Merz Accuses Far-Right AfD of Seeking 'Ethnic Cleansing' After State Election Victory

In a raucous parliamentary debate on Wednesday, Chancellor Friedrich Merz directly challenged the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), accusing the party of seeking 'ethnic cleansing' with its policy of mass deportations, which he described as a racist campaign that would 'take an axe to one of the pillars of the German economy.'

The confrontation came after the AfD's seismic victory in the Saxony-Anhalt state election on Sunday, where the nativist party secured nearly 44% of the vote. Merz, who had previously avoided direct engagement with the AfD, used the parliamentary session to accuse the party of 'dividing our society' with its 'remigration' agenda.

The AfD has long campaigned on a platform of anti-immigration and nationalist policies, with 'remigration' referring to the forced deportation of immigrants and asylum seekers, including those with German citizenship. Merz's remarks represent a significant escalation in rhetoric from the centre-right chancellor, who leads a coalition government.

Opposition parties and civil society groups have expressed alarm at the AfD's growing support, particularly in eastern Germany, where the party has tapped into voter discontent over immigration, economic stagnation, and perceived neglect by the federal government. The election result has intensified debate over how mainstream parties should respond to the far-right's rise.

Why This Matters

Merz's direct accusation of 'ethnic cleansing' marks a new level of confrontation between the German government and the AfD, potentially reshaping the political landscape ahead of federal elections.
The AfD's strong performance in Saxony-Anhalt signals rising support for far-right policies in eastern Germany, raising concerns about social cohesion and the integrity of democratic institutions.
The outcome may influence national policy on immigration and asylum, as well as the broader debate in Europe about how to counter far-right populism.

Background

Germany's far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) was founded in 2013, initially as a eurosceptic party, and has since shifted to a hardline anti-immigration stance. Saxony-Anhalt, a state in the former East Germany, has been a stronghold for the AfD, which has capitalised on local grievances about economic decline and cultural change. The party's 'remigration' concept, which calls for the mass deportation of foreigners and even naturalised citizens, has been widely condemned as xenophobic.

Key Perspectives

Friedrich Merz and the German government: Accuse the AfD of pursuing racist policies that threaten the economy and social unity. Merz's remarks are a clear attempt to isolate the party and rally mainstream opposition. Alternative für Deutschland (AfD): The party has not yet responded to Merz's accusations in this report, but has previously defended its 'remigration' policy as necessary to preserve German culture and national identity. Critics and civil society: Human rights groups and opposition parties warn that the AfD's rise emboldens extremist rhetoric and could lead to real-world harm against immigrants and minorities.

What to Watch

Whether the AfD responds to Merz's accusations and how it frames its 'remigration' policy in the coming weeks.
The impact on federal coalition dynamics, particularly Merz's relationship with his coalition partners and the conservative CDU.
Potential protests or counter-demonstrations by anti-fascist and pro-immigrant groups in the wake of the election result.

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