Merz Accuses AfD of Backing Russia and Advocating 'Ethnic Cleansing'

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz accused the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) of supporting Russia against German interests and advocating anti-migration policies he described as tantamount to "ethnic cleansing" during a parliamentary address on Wednesday. Merz made the remarks following the AfD's electoral victory in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt last weekend, where the party surged on an anti-immigration platform. He specifically criticized the AfD's "remigration" concept, arguing it would amount to ethnic cleansing based on origin and skin colour. The AfD has not yet responded to the accusations but has previously dismissed claims of extremism as scaremongering and insulting to its voters. Merz also noted that people with migration backgrounds contribute to skilled trades, countering the party's anti-immigration stance.