The front-runner in Germany’s upcoming election says the far-right Alternative for Germany is his “most important opponent” and his party will “never” work with it

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 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.

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.

Friedrich Merz, the favourite to become Germany's next chancellor, said on Monday that he is ready to lead the country as his conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) assembled in Berlin for a party conference weeks ahead of national elections.

Friedrich Merz, the favourite to become Germany's next chancellor, said on Monday he is ready to "lead Germany forward" as his conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) assembled in Berlin for a party conference three weeks before national elections.

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel criticised the leader of her Christian Democrats (CDU), Friedrich Merz, for drawing on support from the far-right to pass a motion in parliament, in a statement on Thursday.

Friedrich Merz, nemesis of former Chancellor Angela Merkel, is confident that he will win the upcoming election — despite his latest controversial moves siding with the far right on curbing irregular immigration.