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.

Friedrich Merz broke a political taboo by aligning with the AfD on immigration, winning a symbolic vote but facing backlash and a major legislative defeat.

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.

The former chancellor's comments come after the CDU put forward a proposal which was supported by the far-right AfD.

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.

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,