During the opening of the general debate concerning the Chancellery budget in the Bundestag on Wednesday, Alice Weidel, leader of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, delivered a sharp critique of Chancellor Friedrich Merz. She characterized his time in office as potentially entering German history as “the greatest electoral fraud.
Weidel’s remarks also targeted Chancellor Merz’s focus on foreign policy during his initial weeks in government, which she described as an “escape from reality through summits and capitals around the world”. She asserted that while Merz had promised a fresh start for Germany, his administration has largely continued policies previously enacted under the prior governing coalition.
“After your latest breach of promise – the cancellation of the promised reduction in electricity tax for all citizens – the public at least knows what to expect from you: namely, nothing” Weidel stated, directly addressing the Chancellor. She elaborated that his promises lacked credibility even when explicitly outlined in the coalition agreement. Weidel further labelled Merz a “paper chancellor” who engages in displays of global influence abroad while seemingly allowing the opposition SPD party to dictate domestic policy.
The general debate concerning the Chancellery budget is a traditionally significant event in the parliamentary calendar, marking a key moment during the budget week and routinely involving a robust exchange of views between the government and opposition. As the largest parliamentary group, the AfD was granted the opportunity to initiate the debate, with Weidel delivering the opening statement prior to Chancellor Merz.
