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Germany’s determination to enforce austerity measures is promoting far right nationalism and could even result in Marine Le Pen winning the French election, said Mr Gabriel. The Social Democratic bigwig is expected to run against Mrs Merkel for the Chancellorship at Germany’s general election, but he is damning in his verdict of the EU’s future.

GETTY Angela Merkel is responsible for the break up of the EU due to tight economic controls

He said: “I also know about the state of the EU. It is no longer unthinkable that it breaks apart. “Should that happen, our children and grandchildren would curse us. “Because Germany is the biggest beneficiary of the European community - economically and politically.”

GETTY Mr Gabriel is hoping to take over the Chancellor's role from Merkel at the next election

Mr Gabriel claims he raised the issue of German fiscal rigidity actually damaging the harmony of the EU, but the Chancellor was not able to give him a satisfactory answer. He said: “I once asked the Chancellor, what would be more costly for Germany: for France to be allowed to have half a percentage point more deficit, or for Marine Le Pen to become president? "Until today, she still owes me an answer.”

The many faces of Angela Merkel Wed, May 17, 2017 German Chancellor, Angela Merkel through the years Play slideshow 1 of 16