German opposition leader takes aim at migration, but largely rules out working with far right

By FRANK JORDANS
Associated Press

BERLIN (AP) — Germany’s conservative opposition leader says large-scale migration is one of the country’s biggest problems and the main reason for a recent surge in support for the far right. But Friedrich Merz on Tuesday ruled out working at the state or national level with the Alternative for Germany party that has overtaken his center-right Christian Democratic Union in polls for three state elections in the east next year, but left open the possibility of cooperation at the local level. Merz said about two-thirds of the supporters of the far-right party, known as AfD, are protesting mainstream policy on issues such as refugees and migration, and that parties can win back those voters by resolving those issues.