Merz and Weidel Clash in Bundestag After AfD's Saxony-Anhalt Landslide

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz faces AfD leader Alice Weidel in a Bundestag debate Wednesday, three days after the AfD's landslide victory in Saxony-Anhalt, where it won 43.8 percent while the CDU collapsed to 17.2 percent. US President Donald Trump congratulated the AfD, saying it is "on the rise." Merz acknowledged errors in the election campaign but ruled out resigning, insisting "giving up is not an option." He plans to continue reforms while discussing adjustments with the SPD, and admitted the CDU failed to communicate its agenda emotionally. Weidel called Merz a "burden" and set a 40 percent target for the next federal election. Trump's Truth Social post, ending with "MGGA," signals unprecedented US support for the AfD, which has cultivated closer Washington ties since January 2025. Vice President JD Vance met Weidel in February and warned against excluding populist parties. The four-hour debate precedes budget discussions on foreign affairs, defense, and development.