Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel has voiced criticism against Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Christian Social Union (CSU), over his decision to rely on the backing of the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) in a Bundestag vote on stricter migration policies.

The proposal, which seeks to tighten border controls, deport undocumented migrants, and impose entry bans on those lacking valid documentation, was approved by 348 lawmakers, with 345 voting against it. Among those supporting the measure were members of the AfD and the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance – Reason and Justice (BSW). The decision to push the measure forward with AfD support has sparked controversy, particularly given that mainstream German parties have long sought to isolate the right-wing party from policymaking.

Merkel took issue with Merz's willingness to accept AfD's support, pointing out that in November 2024, he had previously committed to not advancing legislation in the Bundestag with votes from the party.

"That proposal [of November 2024] and the position, related to it, were the expression of high political responsibility, which I fully support," Merkel stated. She criticized Merz for abandoning this stance, calling his actions a deliberate shift in political strategy.

CDU Tensions

Her comments come amid growing internal tensions within the CDU, as some members fear that aligning with AfD, even indirectly, could damage the party's credibility. This controversy unfolds in the lead-up to Germany's federal elections on February 23, 2025, where the CDU is leading in polls, followed by the AfD and the Social Democratic Party (SPD).

The migration debate has gained further traction following recent violent attacks in Germany, intensifying public discourse on border policies. On January 22, a knife attack in Aschaffenburg left two dead and three injured, with reports identifying the perpetrator as an Afghan national who had been denied asylum but remained in Germany.

Earlier, on December 20, a vehicle attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg resulted in six deaths and over 200 injuries. The suspect had been granted refugee status in 2016 and held a valid German residence permit.

Read more: 68 people injured in Magdeburg car attack: City Administration