Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel has reignited fierce debate within the country’s political landscape, taking aim at her own center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party for what she described as a dangerous compromise with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). Her intervention, rare and pointed, comes as Germany heads into a high-stakes federal election on February 23.
The CDU leader, Friedrich Merz, recently relied on AfD votes to pass a controversial anti-immigration motion in parliament, marking a historic breach of Germany’s long-standing political firewall designed to isolate extremist elements. Merkel’s rebuke of this decision has sent shockwaves through the conservative camp, exposing fractures in a party that has long prided itself on its stability and unity.
The AfD, known for its anti-migrant stance, has surged in popularity, now polling second behind the CDU but ahead of the Social Democrats (SPD). The shift reflects a growing voter appetite for stricter immigration policies amid public concern over a spate of violent incidents involving immigrants.
Merz, who is campaigning to become Germany’s next chancellor, has doubled down on hardline immigration rhetoric, pledging permanent border controls and a clampdown on illegal entry if elected. His decision to collaborate with the AfD in parliament has set off a firestorm.
Merkel, who rarely comments on political affairs since stepping down in 2021, minced no words in her criticism:
“I consider it wrong to abandon this commitment and, as a result, to knowingly allow a majority with AfD votes in the Bundestag for the first time,” she said.
Her remarks have upended what was already a volatile campaign season, raising questions about the CDU’s direction and its commitment to democratic values.
For decades, Germany’s post-World War II political tradition has centered on a “firewall” that keeps the far right from gaining influence. The AfD’s ideological roots and provocative rhetoric have made it politically toxic for mainstream parties.
However, Merz’s reliance on AfD votes to pass the anti-immigration motion shattered this long-held convention, leaving observers questioning whether Germany’s political landscape is shifting toward normalization of far-right alliances.
The motion, while symbolic and non-binding, was significant in content, calling for the tightening of immigration laws and stricter border measures—positions central to the AfD’s platform.
Olaf Scholz, Germany’s current Chancellor and leader of the SPD, lambasted Merz, accusing him of legitimizing extremism. “This is a breach of Germany’s democratic tradition and an affront to our values,” Scholz said.
The AfD’s rise coincides with public anger over high-profile crimes involving immigrants.
The December attack on a Christmas market in Magdeburg, which left six dead, and the January 22 stabbing incident involving an Afghan suspect that claimed the life of a two-year-old boy have fueled resentment and fears about immigration.
Chancellor Scholz, known for his measured tone, adopted a harder stance, stating, “Misguided tolerance has no place here.”
Merz took an even tougher approach, promising to impose “permanent border controls with all our neighbors.”
Adding fuel to the fire, tech billionaire and outspoken political provocateur Elon Musk has openly supported the AfD, recently interviewing its leader Alice Weidel on his social media platform X. Musk has been heavily criticized for urging Germany to “move on” from its guilt over its Nazi past and celebrating Merz’s collaboration with the far right.
Musk’s endorsement and his criticism of Germany’s immigration policies have sparked outrage across the political spectrum.
Merkel’s re-emergence highlights a long-standing feud between her and Merz. The rift dates back to 2002 when Merkel sidelined him from the CDU leadership. Merz’s return to the political spotlight in 2022 marked a deliberate effort to shift the CDU further to the right, undoing much of Merkel’s centrist legacy.
By openly criticizing Merz just three weeks before the election, Merkel has put the CDU in a precarious position. Party officials fear her comments will deepen divisions and alienate centrist voters who might turn to the SPD or Greens.
Political analysts are divided on the potential consequences of Merz’s strategy.
Some believe it could embolden mainstream voters to embrace the CDU’s tougher stance on immigration. Others warn that by legitimizing the AfD’s agenda, the CDU risks pushing more voters toward the far right.
“There’s a real danger that voters will choose the original over the imitation,” said political analyst Johannes Meier. “If the CDU adopts AfD policies, it risks normalizing extremist ideas.”
Merkel’s intervention could also mobilize moderate voters to abandon the CDU altogether, further fragmenting Germany’s political landscape.
Germany’s political turbulence is being closely watched across Europe. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has already hailed the AfD’s parliamentary breakthrough as a victory for nationalist forces.
A further shift toward the far right in Germany could embolden similar movements in other EU countries, threatening the bloc’s cohesion and stability.
Economically, any prolonged political instability in Germany—the EU’s largest economy—could have ripple effects across the continent.
All eyes are now on the CDU’s party conference on Monday, where Merz will attempt to shift the focus away from migration and toward Germany’s economic challenges.
Party insiders say Merz plans to unveil a 15-point economic plan and devote the majority of his speech to issues beyond immigration.
“The strategy is clear: pivot away from the AfD controversy and highlight economic competence,” said one CDU official.
But Merz’s first true test will come with the next batch of opinion polls.
If public sentiment turns against him, it could be a fatal blow to his chances of becoming chancellor.
Merz’s gamble—relying on AfD votes to push his agenda—has upended German politics. Whether it proves to be a masterstroke or a catastrophic miscalculation remains to be seen.
For Merkel, the stakes go beyond party politics. Her warning is a call to preserve the democratic norms that have defined modern Germany.
As the election looms, one thing is clear: Germany stands at a crossroads, and the path it chooses will reverberate far beyond its borders.
