The former German chancellor said it was not right to remain silent after her party, the conservative CDU, relied on votes from the far-right AfD to pass a motion in parliament.

Former German leader reiterates swipe at chancellor candidate from her own Christian Democratic Union ahead of Feb. 23 election.

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel criticized Friedrich Merz, her successor as leader of the country’s conservatives, on Thursday for pushing through a bill on tighter immigration control with the help of the far right.

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel has issued rare public criticism of her successor as the country's center-right leader, the front-runner in Germany's election next month, for putting to parliament proposals for tough new migration rules that only passed with the help of a far-right party.

The former German Chancellor has publicly criticised her former party in the wake of far-right AfD's rising popularity.

Without the migration policies since 2015, the AfD wouldn’t be anywhere near this strong,” says Vienna’s former conservative chancellor.

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel criticised Friedrich Merz, her successor as leader of the country's conservatives, on Thursday for pushing through a bill on tighter immigration control with the help of the far right.

Former German chancellor Angela Merkel's recent criticism of current conservative leader Friedrich Merz's migration policy has put renewed focus on the former chancellor's sour relationship with her old party rival.

During an event organised by the magazine "Die Zeit" in Hamburg, Merkel emphasised that it is a "matter of fundamental importance." Read also: CDU turmoil: Merkel faces backlash over migration policy remarks Merkel pointed to the growing polarisation in German politics,