BERLIN — German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said “remigration” plans put forward by Alternative for Germany (AfD) amount to ethnic cleansing and would devastate the German economy, in his sharpest attack yet on the surging far-right party after a dismal election defeat for his center-right conservatives. If those who work in Germany are forced to leave the country again because you’re championing ‘remigration’, then the skilled trades in Germany will no longer be able to function. Then not a single nursing home would remain open, and not a single hospital in Germany would continue to operate.
Then not a single restaurant could stay in business in Germany. That would be the result of your immigration policy,” he added. His comments come just days after a landslide victory for the AfD in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt in which the party just fell short of winning an absolute parliamentary majority.
The anti-immigrant AfD had dedicated an entire chapter to “immigration and remigration” in its election program for Saxony-Anhalt. Its lead candidate Ulrich Siegmund — who is also the state’s potential next premier — attended a notorious 2023 meeting at which party figures and far-right extremists discussed “remigration plans” that included the mass deportation of “non-assimilated” German citizens and sparked nationwide protests. Merz’s comments constitute the harshest condemnation yet of the AfD’s policies and come as the chancellor himself is facing mounting questions over his ability to lead Germany’s weakened coalition government.
His dismal approval ratings helped fuel the AfD’s victory in Saxony-Anhalt on Sunday — and contributed to his party losing over half of its support. Following the election, Merz and his center-right conservatives are searching for a new narrative in their fight against the far right. The AfD, now the most popular party in national polls, has vowed to destroy Merz’s conservatives and seize power nationwide after the next national election, scheduled for 2029.
The people want a change in policy, and they will get it. In the next election, the people will give the AfD — that is, us, the Alternative for Germany — a clear mandate to govern.” Merz also attacked the AfD over its Russia-friendly positions, accusing the party of ignoring the threat facing Germany. Weidel … It’s a clear fact — one you’re well aware of — that this attack was planned for months in Russia, was specifically directed against Germany, and that it was only by sheer coincidence that more extensive property damage and personal injury were prevented.
Yet you’re laughing it off, ladies and gentlemen. That shows how you think and where you stand.” He then added that the AfD was helping the Kremlin in its efforts.
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