Chancellor Friedrich Merz clashed with far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) leader Alice Weidel on September 9, 2026, accusing the party of supporting Russia and advocating policies amounting to 'ethnic cleansing'. The AfD had won 44% in a recent Saxony-Anhalt state election.
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BERLIN, Sept 9 - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Wednesday accused the Alternative for Germany of supporting Russia against Germany's interests and advocating anti-migration policies that were tantamount to \"ethnic cleansing\".
Germany's Merz accuses far-right AfD of calling for 'ethnic cleansing' Reuters
Germany's chancellor clashes with AfD leader Alice Weidel, saying her migration policy amounts to "ethnic cleansing" for skilled workers.
Friedrich Merz says Alternative für Deutschland is ‘dividing our society’ after party won nearly 44% of vote in Saxony-Anhalt state election Europe live – latest updates Germany’s chancellor, Friedrich Merz , has accused the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) of seeking “ethnic cleansing” with its “remigration” drive, after the nativist party’s seismic weekend victory in a state election.
Germany's Merz accuses AfD of promoting 'ethnic cleansing'