Merz declares post-war US ties over after Trump praises AfD
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned trans-Atlantic ties are 'probably over' after US President Donald Trump praised the far-right AfD's election victory in Saxony-Anhalt.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz declared that post-World War II "unconditional" trans-Atlantic ties with the United States are "probably over" for now, following public praise from US President Donald Trump for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). Merz subsequently cancelled a scheduled telephone call with Trump.
The diplomatic fallout follows the AfD's landslide victory in Saxony-Anhalt, where the party secured nearly 44% of the vote and initiated talks to secure a governing majority. During a heated Bundestag debate, Merz denounced the intelligence-monitored party as a "destructive force," criticizing its immigration platform. Internationally, the election result raised concerns, with Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski calling the AfD's triumph "very worrying."
Sources: BBC News, Bloomberg, France24, Sweden Herald, The Guardian
Sources
- France24 — 🔴 Germany: Victory of far-right AfD in state election 'very worrying', says Polish FM
- Sweden Herald — Trump praises AfD’s election success in Saxony-Anhalt
- BBC News — Germany's Merz attacks AfD in stormy debate after far-right election win
- The Guardian — Germany’s Merz cancels phone call with Trump after social media post celebrating AfD win – Europe live
- Bloomberg — Merz Says US Friendship Built Since War ‘Probably Over’ for Now
Earlier coverage
- Sep 21, 2026, 03:00 PM UTCGermany's Merz cancels Trump call following US praise for far-right AfD gains
- Sep 21, 2026, 02:00 PM UTCGermany's Merz cancels Trump call after US president praises far-right AfD election win
- Sep 21, 2026, 10:00 AM UTCGerman chancellor Friedrich Merz confronts far-right AfD and pulls Trump call following election losses
- Sep 21, 2026, 08:00 AM UTCGerman chancellor cancels Trump call following far-right election praise
- Sep 20, 2026, 08:30 AM UTCGerman chancellor Merz distances Berlin from US following Trump praise for AfD
- Sep 18, 2026, 04:30 AM UTCMerz says unconditional US-Europe ties are 'probably over' after Trump praises AfD
- Sep 16, 2026, 03:00 PM UTCGerman Chancellor Friedrich Merz cancels call with Trump following AfD election post
- Sep 11, 2026, 05:30 AM UTCFar-right AfD wins historic state election in Saxony-Anhalt