In a rare intervention, former Chancellor Angela Merkel has criticized CDU leader Friedrich Merz for collaborating with the far-right AfD to tighten migration rules. This unprecedented action allowed the AfD to influence a parliamentary vote for the first time, leading to alarms over the potential erosion of democratic norms in Germany. Merkel called Merz's actions a U-turn from his November commitment to avoid working with the AfD and emphasized the need for democratic parties to prevent extremist gains. Current Chancellor Olaf Scholz denounced the move as an 'unforgivable mistake,' heightening tensions ahead of elections.