Full Breakdown
German Chancellor Cancels Trump Call After AfD Victory Praise
9/10/2026, 12:11:16 AM
Core Event
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called off a scheduled telephone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump after Trump publicly congratulated the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) on its strong showing in the Saxony-Anhalt state election. The call had been planned for the period leading up to the September 11 anniversary. Merz’s office said the cancellation was not due to a scheduling problem.
Background & Context
The AfD secured nearly 44 % of the vote in the Saxony-Anhalt election, falling three seats short of an absolute majority. The result marked the strongest performance for a far-right party in a German state since the Nazi era and triggered a heated parliamentary debate. Chancellor Merz, who leads a coalition with the Social Democrats, has repeatedly framed the AfD’s “remigration” platform as a threat to Germany’s social and economic fabric.
Official Statements & Responses
- Merz’s spokesperson, Stefan Kornelius, told reporters that the postponement of the call was unrelated to any logistical issue.
- In a Bundestag speech, Merz described the AfD’s “remigration” policy as a synonym for ethnic cleansing and warned that mass deportations would cripple essential services such as care homes, hospitals and restaurants.
- Trump posted on Truth Social that the AfD’s victory was “a truly momentous night,” criticizing Germany’s immigration rules and ending with the slogan “MGGA!!!” (“Make Germany Great Again”).
Data & Statistics
- AfD vote share: ? 44 %.
- Seats needed for absolute majority: + 3.
- Scheduled call timing: ahead of the September 11 anniversary (date ledger).
Verbatim Quotes
- “If those working in Germany have to leave the country again because you are championing ‘remigration’,” — Friedrich Merz — Friedrich Merz
- “Your time is up. The public want a change in policy, and they will get it,” — Alice Weidel — Alice Weidel, AfD co-leader
- “They are finally fed up with the extremely bad immigration rules and laws that are severely affecting Germany,” — Donald Trump, US president — Donald Trump, U.S. president
What’s Next
No new date has been set for the postponed conversation. The AfD remains a leading force in upcoming state polls in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, while Merz’s coalition faces declining public support ahead of the next federal election, not scheduled until 2029.
