Chancellor Merz, AfD Leader Weidel Set for Bundestag Debate

Chancellor Friedrich Merz and far-right opposition leader Alice Weidel are scheduled to debate in the Bundestag on Wednesday, following the Alternative for Germany's (AfD) significant election victory in Saxony-Anhalt. Weidel will open the general debate as opposition leader, with Merz speaking immediately afterward.

The exchange is anticipated to focus on the fallout from Sunday's state election. The AfD secured a record 43.8% of the vote in Saxony-Anhalt, more than doubling its 2021 share, though it did not achieve an absolute majority.

This debate takes place during the Bundestag's Budget Week. Weidel, co-leader and parliamentary group leader of the AfD, will lead off discussions in her capacity as leader of the opposition. Merz, who also leads the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), will follow.

The CDU, led by Merz, saw its support drop by nearly 20 percentage points to 17.2% in the state election. Merz acknowledged mistakes on Monday but stated he would not resign as chancellor, saying, "Giving up is not an option for me."

Weidel, in turn, called Merz "a major obstacle to Germany's prosperity" on Monday. She also set a goal for the AfD to achieve at least 40% in the next federal election, expected by early 2029.

In Saxony-Anhalt, the AfD could potentially form a minority government with the tacit support of the populist Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW), though difficult negotiations are expected. A total of four hours has been allocated for Wednesday's general debate, with leaders from all parliamentary groups expected to speak.

Source: Originally reported by News Wire.

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