Merz accuses AfD of advocating 'ethnic cleansing' in Germany

German Chancellor Merz accused the far-right AfD of advocating "ethnic cleansing" through its proposed "remigration" policies, responding to AfD leader Weidel's call for the immediate deportation of over a million refugees. Merz argued such deportations would cripple Germany's economy, citing shortages of skilled workers in hospitals and care homes. He also highlighted the AfD's alleged ties to Russia, referencing the Leipzig drone attack and criticizing Weidel's stance on Ukraine and Nord Stream. The political clash follows the AfD's strong electoral performance in Saxony-Anhalt, where it fell three seats short of a majority. German intelligence services are on alert over the possibility of the AfD gaining government access to sensitive security information.