Merkel's Rebuke: A Controversial Alliance Sparks Political Discord in Germany

Angela Merkel criticized her successor, Friedrich Merz, for collaborating with the far-right in passing an immigration bill. This decision led to significant backlash, including protest actions and criticism from Holocaust survivor Albrecht Weinberg. Merkel urged democratic unity to prevent extremism-related violence, highlighting a pivotal moment in the election campaign.

Angela Merkel has publicly criticized Friedrich Merz, her successor leading Germany's conservatives, for enlisting far-right support to pass a contentious immigration bill. This strategy has drawn severe criticism and sparked protests, underscoring a divisive political issue.

Criticism has been especially sharp from Holocaust survivor Albrecht Weinberg, who returned his Federal Order of Merit medal in protest, and Michel Friedman, a former CDU member. Berlin's mayor also signaled dissatisfaction, emphasizing the need for clear stances against far-right alliances.

Merz defends the bill as essential; however, Merkel warns against breaching political taboos and calls for democratic parties to unite to curb extremism-related violence. The political maneuvering has intensified scrutiny on asylum policy amid an election campaign marked by security concerns over the AfD's rising influence.

(With inputs from agencies.)