German Election Frontrunner Risks Breaking Taboo Working With Far Right 2025 01 29
Reuters6 days
Germany: CDU Passes Migration Motion with AfD Support
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Above: Friedrich Merz, chancellor candidate and leader of the opposition Christian Democrats (CDU), attends debates after Chancellor Olaf Scholz gave a government declaration on domestic issues at the Bundestag on Jan. 29, 2025 in Berlin, Germany. Image copyright: Sean Gallup/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
The Bundestag passed a non-binding motion to restrict migration at border crossings in Germany on Wednesday, with CDU leader Friedrich Merz accepting support for approval from the right-wing AfD party.
The vote came after a deadly stabbing in Aschaffenburg involving an Afghan asylum seeker, which Merz cited in his push for stricter border controls and deportation policies.
The CDU's motion calls for permanent border controls, immediate detention of those required to leave, increased deportations, and stricter residency rules for criminals. Despite AfD support, the motion accuses the party of "stir[ring] up xenophobia and spread[ing] conspiracy theories."
The Spin
Left narrative
Merz’s decision to accept AfD votes to push through his migration proposals marks a dangerous turning point for German democracy. Aligning with the far-right undermines the post-1945 consensus that rejected extremism in all its forms. Merz’s reckless pursuit of power shatters the firewall that once protected German politics from the authoritarian nationalism of the AfD. In doing so, he emboldens a party committed to the destruction of the very democratic values he claims to defend.
Right narrative
Merz's decision to accept AfD support for stricter migration laws is a pragmatic move reflecting the will of many Germans. The CDU leader recognizes that curbing illegal migration is crucial for public safety and national stability. Aligning with the AfD on this issue prioritizes the protection of citizens and the enforcement of necessary border controls. Merz’s actions are, at last, a response to the public's growing concerns about unchecked migration, signaling a shift toward stronger, more decisive governance.
