The German CDU party is facing internal and external criticism after a controversial vote in the Bundestag.

A migration policy plan, proposed by CDU leader Friedrich Merz, narrowly passed with support from the far-right AfD, marking the first time the AfD played a decisive role in securing a majority.

Berlin's CDU Mayor Kai Wegner strongly opposed this, vowing to reject any legislation in the Bundesrat reliant on AfD votes.

Prominent CDU figures, including former Chancellor Angela Merkel, have also condemned the move, warning of the risks of aligning with extremist parties.

Meanwhile, Merz reiterated his stance against formal cooperation with the AfD, but the incident has sparked a heated debate within the party and among Germany's democratic institutions.