Germany’s Merz Clashes With AfD as Migration Debate Intensifies After Election Shock

Germany’s political debate over immigration has sharply intensified after Chancellor Friedrich Merz launched one of his strongest attacks yet against the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD).

Speaking in parliament, Merz accused the AfD of promoting a “remigration” policy that he said amounted to ethnic cleansing based on people’s origin and skin colour. The AfD rejected the accusation and argued that its proposals focus on deporting people who do not have the legal right to remain in Germany.

The confrontation comes just days after the AfD achieved a historic result in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt, where it won around 44% of the vote. Although the party failed to secure an outright majority, its result represented a major setback for Merz’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU).

AfD’s Historic Election Performance

The Saxony-Anhalt result has dramatically changed the political conversation in Germany.

The AfD won 43.8% of the vote and secured 39 of the state parliament’s 83 seats. The CDU, led nationally by Merz, suffered a major defeat, receiving only about 17.2%.

The result has raised questions about whether the AfD could eventually enter government at the state level. However, the party still needs additional support to form a governing majority, while Germany’s mainstream parties continue to maintain a political “firewall” against cooperation with the far right.

Merz Attacks the AfD’s “Remigration” Policy

At the centre of the dispute is the AfD’s use of the term “remigration.”

The party has promoted tougher immigration policies and large-scale deportations, particularly involving people who do not have the legal right to remain in Germany.

Merz argued that the concept goes beyond ordinary immigration enforcement. He warned that the AfD’s approach could involve removing people based on their background or identity rather than simply enforcing existing immigration law.

The chancellor also pointed to Germany’s dependence on workers with migrant backgrounds, particularly in important sectors such as healthcare and hospitality.

AfD Rejects Merz’s Accusations

AfD leaders strongly rejected Merz’s characterization of their policies.

The party argues that Germany has the right to enforce its immigration laws and remove people who have no legal basis to remain in the country.

The AfD’s strong election performance indicates that its migration message is resonating with a significant section of the German electorate, particularly in parts of eastern Germany where dissatisfaction with traditional parties has grown.

The party has also campaigned on other issues, including opposition to continued support for Ukraine and calls for a different relationship with Russia.

Trump’s Support Adds Another Layer

The political dispute has also affected Germany’s relationship with the United States.

US President Donald Trump praised the AfD’s election success and linked the result to Germany’s immigration policies. Trump argued that voters were reacting against what he described as poor immigration policies.

German officials pushed back against foreign commentary on the country’s domestic politics.

A planned phone conversation between Merz and Trump was subsequently postponed. German officials did not publicly give a detailed reason, while reports stressed that it was not simply a normal scheduling change.

The development highlights the growing differences between Berlin and Washington over how Germany’s far-right political movement should be viewed.

Pressure on Merz Is Growing

The AfD’s election victory has also created a difficult political situation for Merz.

His CDU-led government has faced criticism over economic problems, migration and public confidence. The poor result in Saxony-Anhalt has intensified questions about whether the government can regain support before further regional and national political contests.

Merz has nevertheless rejected the idea of cooperating with the AfD.

He has continued to argue that mainstream conservative parties must defend Germany’s democratic institutions while addressing voters’ concerns over immigration, security and the economy.

What Happens Next?

The immediate challenge is whether the AfD can turn its electoral success into political power.

Despite winning the largest share of the vote in Saxony-Anhalt, the party does not have enough seats to govern alone. Mainstream parties have so far ruled out forming coalitions with it, meaning negotiations over the state government could become complicated.

At the national level, the AfD’s growing popularity is also putting pressure on Germany’s traditional parties.

The debate over immigration is likely to remain one of the country’s most important political issues, particularly as voters weigh concerns about border controls, deportations, integration and the economy.

Germany Faces a Major Political Test

The clash between Merz and the AfD reflects a much wider debate about Germany’s political future.

The AfD’s historic election performance demonstrates that the party has become a powerful force in German politics, while Merz’s response shows that the mainstream political establishment remains determined to prevent the far right from becoming a governing partner.

The coming months will reveal whether the AfD can build on its momentum or whether Merz and other mainstream parties can regain the confidence of voters.

For Germany, the stakes extend beyond one regional election. The country is facing a major debate over immigration, national identity, economic policy and its position within Europe and the wider Western alliance.