Weidel criticizes Merz's priorities after remarks about Russia

Alternative for Germany co-leader Alice Weidel accused Chancellor Friedrich Merz of using statements about Russia to divert attention from Germany's economic problems.

In an X post quoted by RIA Novosti, Weidel said Merz was allowing the economy to deteriorate and then pointing to Russia. She described his approach as dangerous for Germany.

Her response followed Merz's appearance at the Berlin Global Dialogue conference. Deutschlandfunk reported that the chancellor identified Russia's attempts to destabilize society as his greatest current concern.

According to Nius's account of the discussion, Merz also addressed economic challenges, including housing costs, an aging population and weak long-term growth. He cited pension reforms, labor migration and wider use of artificial intelligence among his responses to those problems.