German Chancellor Merz Condemns AfD Over 'Ethnic Cleansing' Rhetoric

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has accused the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) of promoting policies amounting to 'ethnic cleansing', marking an escalation in rhetoric between the country's political establishment and the increasingly influential populist party.

Merz's statement follows the AfD's significant electoral gains in Saxony-Anhalt, where the party substantially outperformed Merz's centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in recent voting. The eastern German state has become a stronghold for the AfD, reflecting broader support for the party across former East Germany.

The chancellor's forceful language reflects growing alarm among mainstream parties over the AfD's policy proposals, particularly regarding immigration and integration of minority communities. Senior German politicians have made preventing the AfD's rise a priority, with several parties pledging not to form coalitions with the group.

The AfD has repeatedly denied accusations of extremism, framing itself as a legitimate opposition representing voter concerns about immigration and economic policy. However, the party faces ongoing scrutiny from German security services monitoring potential threats to democratic values.

The political divisions underscore deepening rifts within Germany's electorate, particularly between eastern and western regions, and between urban and rural areas. Merz faces mounting pressure to address voter grievances that have benefited the AfD while maintaining democratic principles.