Germany's Merz attacks AfD in stormy debate after far-right election win

Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized the Alternative for Germany party's migration policies during a parliamentary debate on February 19, 2026, stating the proposals amounted to "ethnic cleansing" for skilled workers. The comments came after the AfD received the largest vote share in the February 23, 2026 federal election. Party leader Alice Weidel responded during the exchange. No coalition agreement has been reached as of that date, leaving government formation ongoing.

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