German minister Bas accuses Merz of harmful rhetoric after Saxony-Anhalt vote

German Labour Minister Bärbel Bas has accused Chancellor Merz of using "harmful rhetoric" following the state election in Saxony-Anhalt, saying such language creates uncertainty and distrust among citizens. She emphasized that social reforms must not be implemented against the people. Bas stated that while reforms are necessary to maintain social security systems and boost the economy, citizens need secure jobs, good wages, and falling prices. She stressed that people must be able to rely on pension security and that those caring for relatives need more support, criticizing suggestions that people should work longer and harder. The election saw the AfD emerge as the strongest party in Saxony-Anhalt, prompting warnings from various politicians. Hamburg's interior senator Andy Grote called for protecting security authorities from extremist influence, while NRW's Hendrik Wüst warned against naivety regarding an AfD government. Tübingen's mayor Boris Palmer cautioned against equating an AfD state government with fascism.