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Germany’s Merz Clashes With AfD Leader After Far-Right Election Win

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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has clashed with AfD leader Alice Weidel in parliament following the far-right party’s major victory in Saxony-Anhalt. The AfD secured nearly 44% of the vote, while Merz’s conservative CDU saw its support fall sharply. Weidel called Merz’s coalition government a failure, while Merz described the AfD as a “destructive force” and criticised its migration policies.

Merz warned that the AfD’s proposed “remigration” policy could affect millions of people and harm key sectors that depend on migrant workers. He argued that migrants make up a significant share of Germany’s skilled workforce and said mass deportations could leave hospitals, care homes and restaurants struggling to operate. The heated parliamentary debate was repeatedly disrupted by AfD MPs, prompting Bundestag President Julia Klöckner to threaten disciplinary action.

The AfD’s victory has intensified debate over Germany’s political future, although the party fell three seats short of an outright majority in Saxony-Anhalt. It has indicated that it could seek support from another party to form a government, potentially challenging Germany’s long-standing political firewall against cooperation with the far right. The result has also drawn praise from US President Donald Trump, adding further international attention to Germany’s shifting political landscape.

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Germany Says New Debt Needed to Strengthen Defence

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Germany needs to take on new debt to strengthen its defence and infrastructure, Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil said while defending the government’s 2027 budget. He argued that increased borrowing is necessary to address growing security threats and years of underinvestment. Germany plans to borrow €838.2 billion between 2027 and 2030, while total investment is expected to rise to €117.5 billion in 2027 from €78.9 billion in 2025.

Defence spending is set to increase significantly, with core defence expenditure projected at €109 billion in 2027, up from €82.2 billion in 2026. Including support for Ukraine and other security measures, total defence and security spending will reach €130.1 billion. Klingbeil said the increased spending is intended to protect Germany from potential conflict, amid concerns over Russia and growing cyber and hybrid threats.

The government’s spending plans face political challenges after the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) won a state election in Saxony-Anhalt, exposing divisions within the ruling coalition. Klingbeil also defended the investment programme as a way to revive Germany’s weak economy. The economy grew 0.3% in the second quarter, while several economic institutes have raised their growth forecasts for 2026 and 2027, citing stronger government spending.

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Germany’s Far-Right AfD Seeks Historic State Power

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Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is seeking a majority in the Saxony-Anhalt state election, hoping to gain government power for the first time at state level in post-war Germany. A strong result could also strengthen the party’s position ahead of its broader push for national influence.

AfD candidate Ulrich Siegmund has dominated campaigning in the eastern state, where the party has gained support amid concerns over immigration, public safety, the economy, energy costs and Germany’s foreign aid policies. The party’s controversial proposals include stricter immigration measures and changes to education and cultural policies.

The AfD remains strongest in eastern Germany and is also performing strongly in nationwide polling. However, other major parties have ruled out forming coalitions with it under Germany’s political “firewall” against the far right. A decisive victory in Saxony-Anhalt would therefore present a major test of that barrier and give the AfD significant influence over areas such as education, policing and culture.

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AfD Leads in Eastern Germany Ahead of Elections Despite Economic Concerns

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Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is leading polls in two eastern states ahead of September elections, despite economists warning that some of the party’s policies could hurt the regions’ already fragile economies. The AfD is polling at around 41% in Saxony-Anhalt and 36% in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, where shrinking populations, labour shortages and lower incomes remain major challenges.

Experts say economic frustration and a lingering sense of being left behind since German reunification are important drivers of AfD support in the east. Both states have lost large numbers of young people, while ageing populations have contributed to severe skilled-worker shortages. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern’s GDP per capita is around 76% of Germany’s national average, while Saxony-Anhalt has the country’s highest proportion of pension-age residents.

Economists argue that AfD proposals, including reducing immigration, cutting state spending and potentially leaving the euro and European Union, could further weaken the region. A DIW Berlin study estimates Saxony-Anhalt could lose around €1,600 in annual income per person and 10,000 jobs under such policies. At the same time, local initiatives such as internationalising university programmes and attracting young talent are showing alternative ways for eastern Germany to address its labour and economic challenges.

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German Schools Become Election Battleground as AfD Pushes Education Agenda

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Schools in Germany’s eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt have become a major political flashpoint ahead of the September 6 regional election, where the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is leading opinion polls. The debate intensified after teacher Max Heckel received a formal warning for telling a student he had not voted for the AfD, citing its classification as extremist by security authorities. Heckel says the incident has led to online abuse, threats, and vandalism, while raising concerns about freedom of discussion in classrooms.

The AfD argues that teachers must remain politically neutral and has pledged sweeping education reforms if it wins power in the state. Party leaders say schools should focus on traditional values, German history, and academic standards while removing what they describe as political influence and ideological teaching. The party also proposes reducing social support and integration programmes in schools as part of a broader overhaul of the education system.

Mainstream political parties and critics warn that the AfD’s plans could weaken democratic safeguards that have shaped Germany’s education system since World War II. They argue that limiting classroom discussions about extremism and the country’s history could undermine students’ understanding of democratic values. With the AfD polling close to 40% in Saxony-Anhalt, the election is expected to be a significant test of the party’s growing political influence in Germany.

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Bauhaus Becomes Flashpoint in Germany’s Cultural Battle Ahead of State Election

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Germany’s iconic Bauhaus movement has become a focal point in a growing cultural debate ahead of September’s state election in Saxony-Anhalt, where the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is leading opinion polls. The party has pledged a “patriotic cultural policy” and argues that Bauhaus architecture represents rootless globalism rather than nationally grounded German traditions.

Founded after World War I, the Bauhaus school revolutionized architecture and design through its minimalist use of glass, steel, and concrete, influencing buildings and household products worldwide. While the AfD criticizes modernist architecture and state support for what it calls “anti-German” culture, Bauhaus supporters say the movement reflects innovation, openness, and an important chapter of German history.

Cultural leaders and academics have expressed concern that an AfD victory could reshape cultural and educational policies in the state. Although Germany’s federal system limits sweeping changes, observers say Saxony-Anhalt could serve as a testing ground for the party’s broader cultural agenda, placing institutions such as Bauhaus and universities under increased political scrutiny.

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AfD Gains Ground in Eastern Germany as Merz Faces Growing Pressure

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Germany’s far-right party, the Alternative for Germany (AfD), is gaining strong support in eastern Germany as Chancellor Friedrich Merz struggles with falling approval ratings and economic concerns. In Saxony-Anhalt, AfD leader Ulrich Siegmund believes the party could secure its first state premiership in the September elections. The AfD has been attracting voters through local “citizen dialogues,” with many supporters expressing frustration over rising living costs, immigration, and dissatisfaction with the current government.

Despite economic investments and development projects in towns like Halberstadt, concerns over inflation, energy prices, and Germany’s slowing economy continue to fuel public anxiety. Recent polls show the AfD reaching up to 41% support in Saxony-Anhalt and 29% nationally, ahead of Merz’s conservatives. The party argues that Germany’s identity is under threat from mass immigration and progressive social policies, while mainstream parties continue to reject any cooperation with the AfD under the country’s political “firewall” strategy.

The possibility of an AfD-led state government has sparked concern among officials and political rivals, especially given the party’s classification as “far-right extremist” by regional security authorities. Critics warn that handing the AfD control of state institutions could have major consequences for German politics. However, many voters at recent rallies said they are willing to give the party a chance, believing traditional parties have failed to address economic struggles and public concerns.

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Thousands of German Army Ammunition Rounds Stolen from Lorry

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A major security breach has occurred in eastern Germany after a shipment of Bundeswehr ammunition was stolen from a civilian-operated delivery truck in Burg. According to German media reports, nearly 20,000 rounds were taken, including 10,000 pistol rounds, 9,900 blank assault-rifle rounds, and several smoke grenades. The theft was discovered when the load arrived at Clausewitz Barracks on 26 November, prompting an immediate joint investigation by the army and local police.

Authorities believe the theft happened overnight after the truck driver left the vehicle in an unguarded parking lot and stayed in a nearby hotel. The defence ministry expressed serious concern, noting that such ammunition “must not fall into the wrong hands.” Investigators are examining why the driver did not use the military’s hotline for assistance or request an escort, which is available for sensitive transports.

The incident adds to a pattern of missing ammunition cases in Saxony-Anhalt, where police reported smaller losses in Bernburg and Eisleben earlier this year. However, officials have not identified any link between these events. No arrests or suspects have been confirmed so far as the investigation continues.

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