In a controversial move, CDU leader Friedrich Merz has accepted support from AfD to advance migration policies, leading to nationwide protests and critcism from former Chancellor Merkel. The CDU is currently leading in polls at 31%, with the AfD following closely at 21% ahead of the February 23 election.
The significance of this development lies in breaching the traditional political barrier against far-right cooperation, endangering Germany's post-war democratic unity. Recent polling reveals a divided opinion among Germans, with 49% opposing and 44% supporting the acceptance of AfD backing.