Angela Merkel Critiques CDU's Alignment with Far-Right AfD Ahead of Elections
Former Chancellor Angela Merkel has publicly distanced herself from the recent actions of her party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), in the Bundestag, particularly regarding a proposal to tighten migration policies that was supported by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). This development comes just weeks before a critical Bundestag election, highlighting a significant rift within the CDU under the leadership of Friedrich Merz.
On Thursday, Merkel, who led the CDU for 18 years, expressed her concerns about Merz's approach. In a statement, she referred to his proposal made to the Bundestag on November 13, 2024. Merkel emphasized the need for collaboration among all democratic factions to prevent the AfD from gaining influence through opportunistic majorities. She called for an understanding among the CDU, Social Democrats (SPD), and the Greens to ensure that the agenda in Parliament is tightly controlled and agreements are reached before votes take place.
Merkel's critique was aimed at Merz's endorsement of a migration policy that includes permanent border controls and a strict stance against illegal entries. This proposal gained majority support during a Bundestag vote on Wednesday, with 348 votes in favor and only 344 against, despite concerns from various party members about aligning with the AfD. Only one CDU member, Antje Tillmann, broke from the ranks to vote against it.
The proposal includes provisions for immediate detention of individuals subject to mandatory departure and bans further entries into Germany for those lacking valid documentation. Merkel pointed out that Merz's initial call for unity among democratic parties contrasts sharply with the current strategy that appears to legitimize votes in collaboration with the AfD.
Responses to Merkel's statements came swiftly, with members of the Greens and SPD praising her for standing up against the CDU's drift towards the right. Bundestag Vice President Katrin Göring-Eckardt from the Greens acknowledged the gravity of Merkel's remarks, emphasizing the need for the CDU to reassess its direction. Labor Minister Hubertus Heil from the SPD also expressed respect for Merkel's clear condemnation of the current party approach under Merz.
As the CDU heads towards the election, Merkel’s critique underlines growing tensions and questions about the party's future trajectory, particularly its relationship with the far-right. It has sparked a crucial dialogue about the values that should guide German politics amidst rising extremism.
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