Merkel Jolts German Campaign With Broadside of Her Party Leader

Former Chancellor Angela Merkel weighed into Germany’s contentious election campaign, sharply criticizing fellow Christian Democrat Friedrich Merz over his decision to force through a hard-line immigration resolution in parliament with votes from the far right.

Even though the motion was non-binding, it was the first time since World War II a mainstream party had relied on a far-right group to clinch a majority and triggered a chorus of outrage that could upend the campaign for the Feb. 23 snap national ballot.