Angela Merkel Criticizes Friedrich Merz Over Immigration Bill and Far-Right Alliance
Merkel’s Stance Against Far-Right Collaboration
In a rare and significant intervention into Germany’s domestic politics, former German Chancellor Angela Merkel openly criticized Friedrich Merz, her successor as the leader of the country’s conservative party, the Christian Democrats (CDU). Merkel expressed strong disapproval of Merz’s decision to push through a controversial bill on stricter immigration controls with the support of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. The bill, which was voted on in parliament on Wednesday, marked a breaking point in Germany’s political landscape, as it saw the CDU collaborating with the AfD, a move that has long been considered a political taboo in the country.
Merkel, who served as Chancellor for 16 years and was known for her centrist policies, described the outcome of the vote as “wrong.” She criticized Merz for compromising the CDU’s stance against partnering with far-right groups. Merkel’s intervention is particularly significant, as she has largely avoided commenting on domestic politics since stepping down as Chancellor. Her statement reflects her deep concern over the direction the CDU is taking under Merz’s leadership, particularly its willingness to align with a party like the AfD, which is known for its nationalist and anti-immigrant rhetoric.
The Bill, the Vote, and the Backlash
The bill in question aims to tighten immigration controls, a topic that has become increasingly polarizing in Germany, especially in the lead-up to the February 23 election. The CDU’s motion was passed with the support of the AfD, a party that is currently polling second in most surveys, behind Merz’s conservative bloc. This collaboration has sparked widespread criticism, not only from political opponents but also from within the CDU itself.
The backlash against the bill and the CDU’s decision to work with the AfD has been intense. Holocaust survivor Albrecht Weinberg, who endured the horrors of Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen, protested the move by returning his Federal Order of Merit medal, a high honor bestowed by the German state. Similarly, Michel Friedman, a prominent Jewish community leader and former member of the CDU’s presidency, announced his resignation from the party in response to the bill. These actions highlight the deep-seated concerns within the Jewish community and among Holocaust survivors about the normalization of far-right influence in German politics.
Berlin’s mayor, Kai Wegener, a fellow conservative and member of the CDU, also voiced his dissatisfaction with Merz’s approach. Wegener reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the mainstream conservative values of the party, stating unequivocally that he would never support a coalition or cooperation with the far-right. His comments underscore the growing internal tensions within the CDU, as many members are uncomfortable with Merz’s strategy of aligning with the AfD, even if it means advancing key policy goals.
Merz’s Defense and the Broader Political Implications
Friedrich Merz, who is currently the frontrunner to become Chancellor after the upcoming election, has rejected accusations that he has breached the “firewall” that mainstream parties have long maintained against the AfD. Merz argued that the immigration bill was necessary and that it was acceptable to accept support from any party, regardless of its political ideology, as long as it advanced the legislation. He emphasized that the CDU’s priorities remain centered on addressing the challenges facing Germany, such as border security and asylum policy, which have come under scrutiny following recent violent attacks in Magdeburg and Aschaffenburg.
However, Merkel directly accused Merz of reneging on a promise he made in November to seek majorities through cooperation with mainstream parties rather than relying on the AfD. She warned that democratic parties must work together to prevent further violence and to counter the influence of far-right groups. Merkel’s comments carry significant weight, as she remains a respected figure in German politics and continues to wield influence within the CDU.
The controversy surrounding the immigration bill and the CDU’s alliance with the AfD has brought border and asylum policy to the foreground of the election campaign. The AfD, which is currently under surveillance by German security services for suspected right-wing extremism, has capitalized on public concerns over immigration and security to bolster its support. The party’s rise in popularity has alarmed many, particularly in light of its rhetoric, which often resonates with extremist ideologies.
Protests and the Public Reaction
The passage of the bill has also sparked widespread public outrage. Thousands of protesters gathered outside the CDU’s Berlin headquarters on Thursday, prompting police to urge staff to leave work early for their safety. The demonstrations reflect the deep-seated concerns among many Germans about the direction of their country’s politics and the potential normalization of far-right ideologies.
Addressing a rally in Dresden, Merz dismissed the protesters’ concerns, stating that their reaction was an overreaction. He criticized Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democrats and the Greens, accusing them of representing a “dwindling minority” in society. Merz argued that the role of the conservatives is to ensure that a party like the AfD becomes unnecessary in Germany. However, his comments have done little to assuage the fears of those who view the CDU’s collaboration with the AfD as a dangerous precedent.
The Far-Right’s Role and the Security Concerns
The AfD’s growing influence in German politics has raised serious concerns, particularly given its ties to right-wing extremism. The party is currently being monitored by Germany’s security services due to suspicions of extremist activities. While the AfD has sought to present itself as a mainstream conservative party, its rhetoric and policies have been widely criticized for promoting xenophobia, nationalism, and anti-immigrant sentiment.
The recent violent attacks in Magdeburg and Aschaffenburg, in which the suspects had applied for asylum in Germany, have further polarized the debate over immigration and border control. These incidents have provided fodder for far-right groups like the AfD, which has used them to argue for stricter immigration policies and tougher asylum laws. However, Merkel and other critics have warned that such policies risk undermining Germany’s democratic values and its reputation as a haven for refugees and asylum seekers.
The Broader Significance for German Politics
The controversy surrounding the immigration bill and the CDU’s alliance with the AfD has significant implications for Germany’s political landscape. Merz’s decision to partner with the far-right has exposed deep divisions within the CDU, with many members expressing discomfort over the party’s shift toward more nationalist and anti-immigrant policies. The backlash from prominent figures like Merkel, as well as from Jewish community leaders and Holocaust survivors, has further underscored the risks of normalizing far-right influence in German politics.
As the country approaches the February 23 election, the debate over immigration, security, and the role of far-right parties is likely to dominate the campaign. The CDU’s collaboration with the AfD has not only alienated some of its traditional supporters but has also raised questions about the future of mainstream conservatism in Germany. Merkel’s intervention serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding democratic values and resisting the influence of extremist ideologies, even in the face of political expediency.
The ongoing protests and public outcry over the bill highlight the deep-seated concerns among many Germans about the direction of their country. The challenge for Merz and the CDU will be to balance their policy goals with the need to maintain democratic integrity and to prevent the further normalization of far-right extremism in German politics. As the election approaches, all eyes will be on how these events shape the political landscape and the future of the CDU under Merz’s leadership.
