Merz Accuses AfD of Advocating Ethnic Cleansing in Bundestag Speech

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz delivered a forceful speech in the Bundestag on September 9, directly accusing the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party of advocating for ethnic cleansing, following the party's public calls for mass deportations of migrants and foreign nationals.

The Confrontation

Merz called out AfD rhetoric on migration policy, characterizing the party's deportation proposals as amounting to ethnic cleansing — a term with historically grave connotations. The speech drew applause from coalition parties and fierce opposition from AfD representatives who disputed the characterization.

AfD politicians had made statements calling for broad removal of individuals with migration backgrounds, including in some cases German-born citizens with foreign ancestry. Merz argued these positions cross a fundamental democratic and humanitarian red line.

Context

The AfD has continued to grow in support following immigration-related incidents in Germany, becoming the second-largest party in recent polls. The debate over how to respond to the AfD's rising influence while upholding democratic norms remains central to German politics.