Angela Merkel’s influence persists in Germany as elections approach, complicating Friedrich Merz’s candidacy for chancellor. Merz faces backlash after engaging with a far-right party, which Merkel openly criticized. Voter sentiments are affected by her controversial immigration policies, contributing to the rise of hard-right sentiments in current polls.
Angela Merkel, despite her retirement, remains a significant influence in German politics as the country approaches its elections. Friedrich Merz, a leading candidate for chancellor, faces scrutiny after breaking a longstanding political taboo by engaging with a hard-right party. Merkel publicly criticized Merz’s actions, labeling them as “wrong,” further complicating his bid to succeed her.
Merkel, who served as chancellor for 16 years before retiring in 2021, had previously shared the leadership of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) with Merz. However, her recent critiques and her policy decisions, particularly concerning immigration, are causing voters to reevaluate her tenure during a politically charged election season. The election is significantly influenced by issues such as economic stagnation, rising immigration, soaring energy costs, and national security, especially given the ongoing war in Ukraine and tensions from the West.
Merkel’s 2015 decision to keep Germany’s borders open resulted in millions of refugees settling in the country, a move that has since prompted negative public sentiment and allegations of political ramifications. This policy is frequently cited as a contributing factor to the rise of the Alternative for Germany (AfD), a hard-right party that has gained traction by advocating for strict immigration controls and now ranks second in national polls behind the CDU.
The current German election is characterized by a rising discontent among voters regarding the policies and legacy of former chancellor Angela Merkel. Following her departure in 2021, the political landscape has evolved, with attitudes toward her immigration policies shifting considerably. This backdrop sets the stage for Friedrich Merz’s struggle to gain ground as he navigates his candidacy amid criticisms of forging alliances with far-right sentiments.
Angela Merkel’s departure from active politics has not diminished her impact on Germany’s electoral landscape. Friedrich Merz’s efforts to distance himself from her legacy highlight a growing fracture within the Christian Democratic Union, while rising concerns among voters about immigration policies put pressure on him to redefine party strategies. Ultimately, Merkel’s tenure and the ongoing political challenges will significantly influence the election outcomes.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
