In a rare and significant intervention, former German Chancellor Angela Merkel has criticized her former party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), for working with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) to pass a controversial migration motion through the Bundestag. Merkel’s comments come after party leader Friedrich Merz pushed for a hard-line immigration policy, relying on AfD support to ensure the measure’s passage.

This marks a significant shift for the CDU, a party that Merkel led for over 16 years, known for its moderate, center-right policies. Merkel’s intervention highlights a growing rift within the party, as it grapples with the rising influence of more conservative factions and the far-right AfD.

 

The Migration Motion and Its Implications

The migration motion, put forward by Merz’s CDU, calls for Germany to adopt stricter immigration controls, including turning back more migrants at its borders. This proposal is part of Merz’s broader shift toward more conservative policies, particularly on immigration. In recent months, Merz has sharply criticized Merkel’s 2015 decision to allow over a million refugees into Germany, many of whom were fleeing the Syrian civil war. Merkel’s decision was a turning point for both Germany and Europe, receiving both praise and sharp criticism.

The motion itself is non-binding, meaning it does not immediately enact policy changes. However, it carries significant political weight, especially considering that Merz relied on the AfD’s votes to pass it. The AfD’s support was crucial in securing the motion’s passage by just three votes, making it the first time that a major piece of legislation in the Bundestag had been passed with help from the far-right.

 

Merkel’s Criticism: A Call for Unity and Moderation

Merkel’s criticism of the CDU leadership has sent shockwaves through German politics. The former chancellor expressed her disappointment in Merz for breaking his promise not to work with the AfD. In November, Merz had stated that no measures should be passed with the far-right’s support ahead of the February 23 elections. Merkel, known for her pragmatic and moderate approach, lamented that this pledge had been disregarded, saying it was “wrong to no longer feel bound by this proposal.”

Merkel also voiced her concern about the broader implications of the CDU aligning with the AfD. She argued that this collaboration risked eroding the democratic values that have long defined the party. Merkel has consistently called for moderation and unity within Germany’s political landscape, and she urged all democratic parties to work together across party lines to address pressing issues, such as migration, without resorting to tactical alliances with extremist groups.

The former chancellor stressed that Germany’s approach to migration must be based on European law and grounded in values of compassion and fairness. She called on all political factions to engage in honest dialogue and to seek solutions that respect Germany’s democratic traditions. Merkel’s criticism was a clear rebuke of Merz’s hard-line approach, which she sees as potentially alienating voters in the center and undermining the CDU’s credibility.

 

Political Fallout: Merz Under Pressure

Merkel’s intervention has put Friedrich Merz under significant political pressure. Political analysts suggest that this criticism from the former chancellor could seriously damage Merz’s standing within the CDU. Merkel’s words carry immense weight, and many within the party still view her as the most respected figure in German politics. Michaela Küfner, a political editor at Deutsche Welle (DW), pointed out that Merkel’s condemnation of Merz’s actions could lead to a loss of support among moderate voters, who are crucial for the CDU’s success in the upcoming elections.

Merz’s strategy of moving the CDU toward a harder-line stance on migration has been controversial within the party. While some CDU members support his more conservative policies, others, especially those loyal to Merkel, view this as a dangerous drift towards extremism. Merkel’s intervention could be a defining moment for Merz’s leadership, as he faces increasing scrutiny not only from within his party but also from the wider public.

 

The CDU’s Shifting Identity

Under Merkel’s leadership, the CDU was known for its centrist policies and its ability to balance different political factions. Merkel herself was a figure of moderation, often seeking compromise and consensus, even in the face of political pressure. However, since Merz took over as party leader, the CDU has shifted towards more right-wing positions, particularly on migration. This shift is in part due to the increasing influence of the far-right AfD, which has gained significant support in recent years, especially in eastern Germany.

Merz’s more conservative stance on migration reflects broader trends within European politics, where populist and far-right parties have gained traction amid concerns about immigration and security. However, this shift is not without risks for the CDU. As Merkel’s criticism suggests, working with the AfD could alienate moderate voters and undermine the CDU’s traditional role as the party of democratic stability in Germany.

 

What Merkel’s Criticism Means for the CDU’s Future

Merkel’s criticism highlights the growing divide within the CDU over its approach to migration and its relationship with the AfD. The coming weeks will be crucial for Merz and the CDU, as they face the challenge of maintaining party unity and securing electoral success in the upcoming general election.

For Merkel, the intervention marks a rare but significant re-engagement in political affairs after stepping down from the chancellorship in 2021. While she has largely kept a low profile since her departure, her words continue to carry significant weight, especially on issues of national importance such as migration. Merkel’s influence remains a key factor in shaping the future of German politics, and her critique of Merz could have lasting consequences for the CDU’s direction.

 

Looking Ahead: The February Election

The February 23 general election will be a pivotal moment for the CDU. Migration has become one of the most contentious issues in German politics, and the outcome of the election could determine the country’s approach to this issue for years to come. Merkel’s intervention has added another layer of complexity to the election campaign, as the CDU navigates its relationship with the AfD and seeks to reclaim its position as the party of moderation and stability.

Merkel’s call for unity and moderation may resonate with many German voters who are wary of the far-right’s growing influence. However, Merz’s hard-line stance on migration will likely remain a central theme of the CDU’s campaign, and the party will need to carefully navigate this issue if it hopes to secure a favorable outcome in the election.

As the election approaches, all eyes will be on the CDU and its ability to reconcile its conservative wing with its traditional commitment to democratic values. Merkel’s intervention has made it clear that the future of the CDU and Germany’s political landscape will be shaped by how the party responds to the challenge posed by the far-right and the ongoing migration crisis. For more on this story, you can visit DW’s coverage of Angela Merkel’s criticism of the CDU.