German Opposition Leader Merz Condemns AfD 'Ethnic Cleansing' Migration Policy

Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany's opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU), launched a scathing attack on the Alternative for Germany (AfD) in the Bundestag, labelling their migration policy as akin to 'ethnic cleansing'. The heated exchange occurred during a parliamentary debate, just days after the far-right party achieved a significant electoral victory in Saxony-Anhalt, garnering 27% of the vote.

Merz directly challenged AfD co-leader Alice Weidel, asserting that her party's proposals to deport certain migrant populations, specifically those without German citizenship, would effectively constitute 'ethnic cleansing'. He highlighted the potential economic and social devastation such a policy would inflict, arguing that Germany relies heavily on skilled migrant workers, many of whom possess non-German passports.

The CDU leader's intervention underscored a deepening polarisation within German politics, as mainstream parties grapple with the AfD's persistent rise. Merz contrasted the AfD's stance with Germany's constitutional commitments, emphasising that such exclusionary policies are incompatible with the nation's democratic values. His comments reflect growing alarm among established parties regarding the AfD's increasing influence and their hardline anti-immigration platform.