Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Merz Calls AfD “Remigration” Ethnic Cleansing in Bundestag

9/9/2026

26 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Chancellor Friedrich Merz called the AfD’s “remigration” policy ethnic cleansing during a Bundestag debate on 9 September 2026.
Germany’s domestic intelligence agency classified the AfD as a right-wing extremist party.
The AfD won nearly 44 % of the vote in Saxony-Anhalt, missing an absolute majority by three seats.
Coverage warned mass deportations would cripple nursing homes, hospitals and other essential services for vulnerable residents.

History

Historical Context

Since the Lisbon Treaty entered into force on 1 December 2009, the EU can invoke Article 7 to suspend a member’s rights for breaching democratic values. Recent right-wing gains in Germany at the national and regional levels have revived the Union’s earlier challenges such as the 2015 migrant crisis, testing its cohesion and rule-of-law safeguards.

1 of 2

Story summary

Chancellor Friedrich Merz called the AfD’s “remigration” policy ethnic cleansing during a Bundestag debate on 9 September 2026.
Germany’s domestic intelligence agency classified the AfD as a right-wing extremist party.
The AfD won nearly 44 % of the vote in Saxony-Anhalt, missing an absolute majority by three seats.
Coverage warned mass deportations would cripple nursing homes, hospitals and other essential services for vulnerable residents.

1 / 2