During a general debate in the Bundestag on Wednesday, Alice Weidel, leader of the Alternative for Germany (AfD), delivered a sharp critique of Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Addressing the parliament at the opening of the general debate concerning the Chancellery budget, Weidel characterized Merz’s chancellorship as potentially becoming “the greatest electoral fraud in German history.
Weidel further questioned the Chancellor’s focus on foreign policy in the initial weeks of his tenure, describing it as a “retreat into reality through summits and capitals around the world”. She asserted that while Merz had promised a fresh start for Germany, his administration has, in practice, continued policies previously pursued by the preceding coalition government.
The AfD leader directly challenged the Chancellor’s credibility, stating, “After your latest breach of promise – the cancellation of the promised reduction in electricity tax for all – citizens at least know what to expect from you: nothing”. She accused Merz of being a “paper chancellor” who projects an image of international power while seemingly allowing the Social Democratic Party, a party considered by some to be a political loser, to dictate domestic policy.
The general debate concerning the Chancellery budget traditionally marks the culmination of the budget week in parliament and typically involves a robust exchange between the government and opposition. As the largest opposition faction, AfD was afforded the opportunity to initiate this year’s debate, with Weidel delivering her remarks directly preceding Chancellor Merz’s response.