Merkel Urges Migrants to Vote Against AfD, Sparking German Outrage

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel has ignited controversy in Germany by publicly urging individuals with migrant backgrounds to actively vote against the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Her comments, made earlier this month in an interview with Hesse Broadcasting, have drawn both support and fierce criticism from across the political spectrum.

Merkel’s Call for Democratic Participation

Merkel emphasized the importance of unified opposition to the AfD, stating, “I wish everyone would unite against this party. And we are not divided as a political center, I say, into those who have a migration history and those who don’t. Because then our country will grow weaker against the Alternative for Germany.” She further asserted that citizenship status, whether recent or long-standing, should not differentiate individuals in their civic duty. “It doesn’t matter whether a German citizen has been a German citizen for two years or four days, or the whole family for three generations, we are the German people… We must unite even when we have to take action against people who have completely different ideas about our future,” Merkel argued.

Backlash from the AfD and Critics

Alice Weidel, leader of the AfD, swiftly condemned Merkel’s remarks, accusing the former Chancellor of “doing serious damage” to the country. As reported by the Daily Mail, Weidel criticized Merkel’s legacy, citing her handling of the 2015 migrant crisis and energy policies.

Merkel’s Legacy and the 2015 Migrant Crisis

Merkel’s call to action comes against the backdrop of her complex legacy as Chancellor. Although lauded for her role in navigating the Eurozone crisis and steering Germany towards renewable energy, her tenure was also marked by controversy. Notably, her decision to open Germany’s borders to over one million refugees in 2015 triggered a significant migration crisis within the European Union. The Express details the context of this decision and the subsequent political fallout.

AfD’s Rising Influence in German Politics

The AfD has experienced a surge in popularity in recent years, capitalizing on concerns about immigration and national identity. In the 2025 elections, the party achieved a 20.8% share of the vote, securing the second-largest number of seats in the German Bundestag. This result reflects a growing segment of the German electorate receptive to the AfD’s nationalist platform.

Ongoing Debate Within the CDU

Merkel’s intervention also highlights an internal struggle within her former party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), regarding how to effectively counter the AfD. POLITICO reports that Merkel recently criticized CDU leader Friedrich Merz for allowing a migration policy motion to pass with the support of the AfD, arguing that such collaboration crosses a red line.

Key Takeaways

• Angela Merkel has urged migrants to vote against the AfD in Germany.
• Her comments have sparked outrage from the AfD and ignited debate about political strategy.
• The AfD has gained significant political ground in recent years.
• Merkel’s legacy remains a subject of contention within German politics.