German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has criticized the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) over its calls for “remigration,” a policy advocating the removal of migrants from Germany.

Merz said the AfD’s proposals amount to a form of ethnic cleansing and warned that such ideas threaten Germany’s democratic values.

The AfD has made tougher immigration controls and the deportation of migrants central parts of its political platform.

Merz’s comments come as the party continues to gain support and pressure mainstream German politicians on immigration and integration, Politico has reported.

The dispute highlights growing tensions in Germany over migration policy and the limits of political debate surrounding the country’s far right.