As Germany approaches its federal election on February 23, tensions are rising within the country's conservative movement, spurred by the increasing influence of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.

The AfD, now polling at around 21 percent, has emerged as the second-largest party, posing significant challenges for Germany's mainstream political figures.

Central to the growing divide is former Chancellor Angela Merkel's sharp criticism of her own party's leader, Friedrich Merz, for working with the AfD to pass an anti-immigration motion in parliament.

This marks the first time the AfD has directly supported a motion in the Bundestag.

Merkel, who has remained largely silent on contemporary political issues since stepping down, called the decision to rely on AfD votes 'wrong,' making her intervention all the more striking.

Merz’s CDU/CSU alliance has been facing a narrowing lead, with the AfD's rise intensifying political debates around immigration.

The motion, backed by AfD votes, advocates for stricter immigration controls, and Merz's push for permanent border controls reflects his hardline stance.

The situation is further complicated by the involvement of Elon Musk, who has publicly supported the AfD’s position on immigration, fueling international debate.

Despite these shifts, the possibility of the AfD forming a ruling coalition remains uncertain, as pro-EU and anti-far-right parties in Germany would likely resist such a move.

The outcome of this election holds implications not just for Germany but for the wider European political landscape.

The CDU's upcoming party conference and subsequent polling will provide crucial insights into the political direction of the nation.