Story perspectives

Merz Warns AfD’s Remigration Plan After Saxony Vote

By Drooid · Sep 12, 2026, 10:06 AM UTC · How we work

Center

Merz Accuses AfD

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz addressed the Bundestag on 9 September 2026, accusing the Alternative for Germany (AfD) of supporting Russia and promoting a ‘remigration’ policy.
Germany’s domestic intelligence service classified the AfD as a right-wing extremist party.
The AfD won roughly 44 % in Saxony-Anhalt, falling three seats short of a majority.
U.S. President Donald Trump praised the AfD’s Saxony-Anhalt win as a big night for populists.

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Merz Blames AfD

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz addressed the Bundestag on 9 September 2026, accusing the AfD of backing Russia and promoting a “remigration” policy.
The planned phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump was cancelled after Trump praised the AfD’s election victory.
Merz warned the AfD’s remigration plan would jeopardize care homes, hospitals and restaurants, endangering residents.
Former Chancellor Angela Merkel criticised Merz’s migration rhetoric, calling situation a turning point for Germany.

History

Historical Context

In the 1932 German federal election, Adolf Hitler’s Nazi Party captured 37 % of the vote, becoming the Reichstag’s largest faction. The Nazi surge, backed by industrialist Fritz Thyssen’s 5 million-mark financing in 1929, alarmed the Weimar Republic and President Paul von Hindenburg. Today's AfD gains, with 44 % in Saxony-Anhalt and praise from Donald Trump, echo the 1932 populist breakthrough that threatened Germany’s democratic stability. The 1932 episode prompted the eventual 1933 Enabling Act, illustrating how extremist electoral success can precipitate authoritarian rule.

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Merz Accuses AfD

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz addressed the Bundestag on 9 September 2026, accusing the Alternative for Germany (AfD) of supporting Russia and promoting a ‘remigration’ policy.
Germany’s domestic intelligence service classified the AfD as a right-wing extremist party.
The AfD won roughly 44 % in Saxony-Anhalt, falling three seats short of a majority.
U.S. President Donald Trump praised the AfD’s Saxony-Anhalt win as a big night for populists.

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