Angela Merkel Critiques Friedrich Merz as Migration Policies Shift in Germany
Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel has publicly criticized Friedrich Merz, her successor as leader of Germany's conservative party, for advancing migration and asylum proposals with the support of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). In an infrequent remark on public affairs since her departure from politics in December 2021, Merkel stated that Merz, who is considered a potential candidate for the next chancellorship, had effectively performed a political U-turn.
Merkel highlighted that Merz, leader of the center-right CDU/CSU alliance, had previously expressed opposition to passing policies with the backing of the generally discredited AfD, even if done accidentally. "I think it is wrong to no longer feel bound to this proposal, thereby allowing a majority with the votes of the AfD in a vote in the German Bundestag for the first time on January 29, 2025," she wrote on her website.
The recent vote marked a significant event in German politics; for the first time, the AfD, currently polling second ahead of the upcoming election on February 23, played a crucial role in helping a mainstream party achieve a parliamentary majority. The pro-business Free Democratic Party (FDP) also supported the motion's success.
The proposals included measures to turn away certain migrants and asylum seekers at the German border, as well as to streamline deportations from Germany. Merz, who has been a vocal critic of Merkel's 2015 open-door policy that allowed around a million migrants to enter, has been under scrutiny for his willingness to align with the AfD.
In her recently published memoirs, Merkel, who had previously curtailed Merz’s rise within the CDU, expressed no personal resentment towards him but acknowledged his desire for power, essential for the chancellor’s role. Merkel’s reflections received praise, including from Saskia Esken, co-leader of the Social Democrats, who remarked, "She clearly has the impression that she has to remind Friedrich Merz of his political responsibility. I’m very grateful to her."
Before the vote, Merz had indicated a reluctant openness to the idea that his proposal could only succeed with AfD support. However, after the vote, he maintained that he did not intend to work with the party. His stance drew significant criticism, as many viewed it as a violation of the established political barrier that mainstream parties should not ally with the AfD.
Following the vote, Merz reiterated his intention to seek majorities only within the democratic center of the parliament, but this statement was met with skepticism and mockery from members of the opposition, notably the SPD, Greens, and the far-left Die Linke. Critics argued that Merz had missed opportunities to engage in compromise regarding migration reform proposals brought forth by the governing coalition.
The AfD celebrated the vote as a landmark moment, with MP Bernd Baumann remarking, "This is truly a historic moment. Mr. Merz, you helped bring it about, and now you stand here with shaking knees, trembling and apologizing. Here and now, a new epoch begins."
This developing situation highlights the shifting dynamics of German politics as traditional boundaries are challenged, raising questions about the future of migration policy and mainstream party alignments.
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