Merkel defends refugee stance by attacking 'polarisation and populism'

Wuerzburg, Germany

ANGELA Merkel hit back at a surge in "polarisation and populism" two days after the German chancellor featured as the main target of criticism by a gathering of right-wing European leaders.

Defending her refugee policy as an act of moral and legal obligation by a "state of laws," Mrs Merkel said that Europeans must stand by principles that include offering asylum to those fleeing from war and oppression.