Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany’s center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), finds himself embroiled in a political firestorm after accepting support from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) to pass a non-binding parliamentary bill concerning migration. This move has shattered the longstanding “firewall” against the AfD, a cross-party agreement to isolate the far-right from mainstream politics, sparking widespread protests and condemnation from political opponents, including former Chancellor Angela Merkel. Merz argues that his proposals, aimed at tightening migration rules, are necessary to address rising concerns about violence and security in Germany, particularly after several recent knife attacks involving asylum seekers. However, critics see his collaboration with the AfD as a dangerous normalization of extremist ideologies and a betrayal of democratic principles.
The controversy deepened when Merz introduced a second, legally binding bill proposing stricter migration controls, including ending family reunification for individuals with subsidiary protection and granting increased deportation powers to federal police. This bill, unlike the first symbolic measure, would become law if passed by both houses of parliament. As debate commenced, the CDU unexpectedly called for an interruption to hold internal party discussions. This pause led to negotiations with the ruling Social Democrats (SPD) and the Greens, signaling potential compromises and backroom maneuvering to avoid further reliance on AfD support. The SPD and Greens remain vehemently opposed to both bills, highlighting the deep political divisions over migration policy and the AfD’s role in shaping the national discourse.
The initial non-binding bill, passed with a slim majority thanks to AfD votes, called for significantly stricter border controls and the rejection of a greater number of asylum seekers. This triggered mass demonstrations across the country, with tens of thousands taking to the streets to express their opposition to the CDU’s collaboration with the AfD and the perceived normalization of far-right rhetoric. The protests underscore the deep societal anxieties surrounding immigration and the potential for extremist ideologies to gain traction within mainstream politics. Merkel’s public rebuke of Merz further amplified the criticism, highlighting the significant rift within the CDU and the broader political landscape.
Merz defends his actions by insisting that his primary goal is to pass his proposals with support from the “democratic center.” He claims to be open to collaboration with other parties but willing to accept AfD votes if necessary to achieve his policy objectives. This pragmatic approach, however, has been interpreted by many as a calculated move to exploit public anxieties about immigration and capitalize on the AfD’s rising popularity. Chancellor Olaf Scholz, leader of the SPD, has openly questioned Merz’s trustworthiness, suggesting that the CDU leader is now open to forming a coalition with the AfD in the future. This accusation further fuels the political tensions and deepens the polarization surrounding the migration issue.
The timing of these events, just months before the federal elections scheduled for February 23rd, adds another layer of complexity to the political landscape. The CDU currently leads in the polls with 30%, followed closely by the AfD at 23%. Merz’s focus on migration and his willingness to engage with the AfD appear to be part of a strategic effort to consolidate support among voters concerned about security and immigration. However, this strategy risks alienating moderate voters and further legitimizing the far-right. The upcoming election will serve as a critical test of public opinion on these issues and the acceptability of cooperation with extremist parties.
The controversy surrounding Merz’s collaboration with the AfD raises fundamental questions about the future of German politics. The erosion of the “firewall” against the far-right, the increasing polarization of public opinion on migration, and the CDU’s willingness to engage with extremist ideologies all pose significant challenges to the country’s democratic values and political stability. The outcome of the February elections will likely have profound implications for the direction of German politics and its approach to migration in the years to come. The delicate balance between addressing legitimate security concerns and upholding democratic principles will remain a central challenge for German policymakers and society as a whole.
