Germany’s CDU Faces Backlash Over Cooperation with Far-Right AfD

Angela Merkel criticizes CDU leader Friedrich Merz for breaking a longstanding political taboo by relying on AfD votes to pass an anti-immigration motion in parliament.

CDU leader Friedrich Merz relied on votes from the far-right AfD to pass a non-binding anti-immigration motion, breaking Germany's longstanding firewall against cooperation with the party.
Former Chancellor Angela Merkel publicly condemned Merz's actions, marking a rare intervention in contemporary politics and exposing internal divisions within the CDU.
A subsequent attempt by Merz to pass binding migration legislation failed in parliament, with reports suggesting dissent from within his own party.
The AfD, polling second nationally, has gained prominence in the election debate, with its anti-migrant rhetoric resonating after recent high-profile violent attacks by asylum seekers.
The CDU now faces questions about its unity and strategy ahead of the February 23 election, as critics fear legitimizing the AfD could further bolster its support.