BERLIN — Former Chancellor Angela Merkel has once again voiced her concerns regarding the migration policy of current Chancellor Friedrich Merz, stating that it poses a significant risk to the freedom of movement within the European Union. At a recent event, Merkel criticized Merz’s approach, which aims to implement stricter border controls that would lead to the rejection of migrants at Germany’s borders, even those arriving from other EU member states.
Merkel advocates for European solutions
Merkel emphasized, “We have to focus on external [EU] border protection, everything else will ultimately cost us, if it becomes permanent, the freedom of movement within the European Union.” This remark highlights her belief that a unilateral approach to migration could jeopardize the core principles of the EU.
In light of Germany’s upcoming snap election on February 23, Merz has pledged to take decisive action against migration, promising to initiate changes from his first day in office. Following his inauguration, Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt quickly announced the introduction of stricter border measures, which would result in more migrants, including asylum-seekers, being denied entry into Germany. Legal experts and opposition parties within Germany, along with neighboring countries, have raised alarm over the legality of such actions, arguing they violate established European laws.
Tensions between Merkel and Merz
Merkel further remarked, “I don’t believe that we can combat illegal migration at the German-Austrian or German-Polish border. I have always advocated European solutions, and the truth is that it takes forever and a very long time.” This statement illustrates her perspective that a collaborative European approach is essential in addressing migration issues effectively.
This marks the second occasion this year that Merkel has publicly critiqued Merz, despite both being members of the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party. Just weeks prior to the election, she condemned his reliance on support from far-right politicians to advance anti-immigration legislation in parliament.
Merz, who has frequently criticized Merkel for her decision in 2015 to accept a large influx of Syrian refugees into Germany, has shifted the CDU further to the right, particularly regarding migration policies. Their political relationship has been characterized by tension, particularly following Merz’s retreat to the CDU backbenches in the early 2000s after a power struggle with the more centrist Merkel. After spending a decade in the private sector, Merz returned to politics once Merkel stepped down as CDU leader in 2018.