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'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.

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.

Germany's former chancellor Angela Merkel has doubled down on her criticism of Christian Democratic Union, or CDU, leader Friedrich Merz over his willingness to cooperate with the far-right Alternative for Germany party in a parliamentary vote on immigration policy last week.

Friedrich Merz, the front-runner to become Germany’s next chancellor, relied on votes from the far-right AfD to push an anti-migration motion through parliament.

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,