German Chancellor Friedrich Merz sharply criticized the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party during a heated exchange in the Bundestag on September 9. The confrontation came at a time of rising political tensions, as AfD leader Alice Weidel, emboldened by recent electoral gains in Saxony-Anhalt, challenged Merz directly. Weidel criticized Germany's asylum policies, pointing out that over one million asylum seekers had had their applications denied more than once and questioned their continued presence in the country, suggesting they should be deported. Merz strongly opposed the AfD's stance, calling the party's policy of "remigration"—the idea of encouraging or forcing migrants to return to their countries of origin—synonymous with "ethnic cleansing." He warned that such policies would harm Germany's economy, especially in sectors like healthcare and nursing, which heavily rely on migrant labor. The AfD, following the election victory of its candidate Ulrich Siegmund in Saxony-Anhalt, has grown more confident, with Weidel claiming that local voters had not only accepted the party but also "crushed" the ruling Christian Democratic Union (CDU). The AfD’s potential success in the upcoming regional election in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania on February 20 could further shake up Germany’s political landscape. In addition to its immigration policies, the party has also raised concerns about the financial aspects of religious institutions, suggesting it may push for reforms that would impact church finances. These developments highlight the growing influence of the AfD and the increasing polarization in German politics.