The co-leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) Alice Weidel has charged Chancellor Friedrich Merz with lacking reform drive and breaking election pledges during a Bundestag budget debate. Weidel called the federal budget "a cobbled-together, irresponsible budget without measure or aim that solves no single problem." Weidel warned that Merz's promised "autumn of reforms" would be "the autumn of empty words and will lead to a winter of even higher spending." She accused Merz of having "broken every election promise," citing the debt brake, a lower electricity tax, a return to nuclear power, a citizens' benefit overhaul and scrapping the combustion-engine ban. Weidel also attacked the government’s migration policy, saying, "The politically desired loss of control simply continues, along with the politics of glossing over and denial." She called for a "real migration turnaround" with borders "fully and seamlessly closed." . Weidel mocks Merz as leading a 'coalition of losers' 05:36 https://p.dw.com/p/50bKu Copy link Skip next section Most adults back tighter school phone rules, study finds 09/17/2025September 17, 2025 Most adults back tighter school phone rules, study finds A majority of German adults have supported stricter rules on smartphone use in schools, according to new research from the Federal Institute for Population Research (BiB). The survey found 72% oppose private use of personal smartphones in class unless it is part of lessons, with 95% holding that view for elementary schools. A total of 53% favor a blanket ban on student phones in all schools, rising to 80% for elementary levels. The debate over private phone use in schools varies by state, with Hesse recently introducing a new ban that allows exceptions. Most respondents also said schools should teach responsible internet and classroom smartphone use. On age limits, adults placed the minimum for owning a smartphone at an average of 11.5 years and for using social media such as Instagram or TikTok at 13.5. Participants who were informed beforehand about risks like cyberbullying or unsuitable content recommended minimum ages about four months higher.