Merz & Weidel clash in Bundestag; federal intervention threatened.
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Germany's political landscape is dominated by a contentious General Debate in the Bundestag, where Chancellor Friedrich Merz and AfD leader Alice Weidel engaged in a sharp verbal exchange. The debate, centered on the 2027 budget and the recent Saxony-Anhalt election results, highlighted deep divisions within the federal parliament.
Adding to the post-election tensions, Chancellor Merz has issued an unprecedented threat of federal intervention in Saxony-Anhalt, citing ongoing challenges in government formation following the AfD's strong performance. This comes as a new poll reveals a record lead for the AfD, with the Union party's support dipping below 20%.
The AfD's rising influence is also drawing international attention, with the SPD expressing outrage over Donald Trump's public praise for the party. Domestically, former Chancellor Angela Merkel voiced her disappointment over the AfD's success, and intelligence agencies are reportedly assessing whether the party poses a security risk.