Right” could crumble after the frontrunner to win next month’s election said he could work with Alternative for Germany (AfD) to tighten immigration laws.

Mainstream German parties have sworn off working with the far-right Alternative for Germany, but its ongoing rise and shifting political norms are making the question when, not if, they'll take part in government.

German politicians reacted with shock on Friday after opposition leader Friedrich Merz opened the door to cooperation with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) on migration reform after an Afghan was held in connection with a deadly knife attack.

Germany's conservative opposition faced criticism Friday over reports that it was willing to accept the support of the far-right AfD party in a parliamentary vote on toughening migration rules.