Merz’s ‘ethnic cleansing’ comments trigger defamation complaint from far-right AfD
The chancellor's remarks "crossed the line," according to a senior Alternative for Germany lawmaker.
Far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has filed a defamation complaint against Chancellor Friedrich Merz, alleging his speech deemed their "remigration" plans to be "ethnic cleansing." Senior AfD member Stephan Brandner stated that describing the AfD parliamentary group's stance on "remigration" as ethnic cleansing, which includes expulsions and murders, warrants judicial intervention.
Merz made these remarks during a Bundestag debate, stating that "remigration" is merely a synonym for ethnic cleansing based on origin and skin color. Brandner claims Merz's comments "crossed the line," potentially making them "criminally relevant." While members of the Bundestag are typically shielded from legal action over parliamentary statements, Merz's remarks are considered defamatory insults, thus falling outside the protection.
The AfD defines "remigration" as a means to deport or deport migrants who are deemed ineligible to remain in Germany, ranging from expelling individuals without legal status to large-scale removals. The AfD incorporated a chapter on "immigration and remigration" in its election program for Saxony-Anhalt, which secured a significant victory in recent polls.
Written by urgent.news from Politico EU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
