Dr Oliver Hartwich: Merkel’s legacy still haunts German politics

If you believe last week’s hysterical headlines from Germany, you might think the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) is about to take power in Europe’s largest economy. The reality is more complicated.

Last Wednesday, Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader Friedrich Merz allowed a parliamentary statement on migration controls to pass with AfD support. The move broke a long-standing taboo in German politics against any cooperation with the far right. Merz’s predecessor and former Chancellor Angela Merkel promptly condemned his tactics.