Friedrich Merz Faces Backlash as CDU/CSU’s Migration Proposal Gains Support from Far-Right AfD
Germany’s conservative opposition leader, Friedrich Merz, came under intense criticism on Wednesday after his party’s proposal to curb irregular migration passed in parliament, with support from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz sharply criticized Merz, accusing the Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU) of breaking a longstanding principle in German politics against cooperating with extremist parties. Scholz called the vote a “bad sign” for both the parliament and the country, as for the first time, a motion was passed with support from the AfD.
Merz’s CDU/CSU introduced several motions and a draft bill this week aimed at modifying Germany’s immigration and asylum laws, just four weeks ahead of the upcoming February 23 elections. A key non-binding motion, which proposes turning away irregular migrants and asylum seekers at all German borders, passed with a narrow vote of 348 to 345, bolstered by 75 votes from AfD lawmakers.
