Angela Merkel's authority has suffered since her decision to maintain open borders during 2015's migrant crisis, with her infamous words of "Wir Schaffen Das" (We Can Do This).
It led to vocal resistance from the CDU's rightwing and the Christian Social Union (CSU), its Bavarian sister party, most notably by its leader Horst Seehofer.
Moreover, it fuelled support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) that won 12.6 percent of the vote in Enjoy access to all articles and 25 years of archives, comment and gift articles. Become a member for as low as €1,75 per week.To read this story, log in or subscribe