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Politics
31 January 2025

Germany's Parliament Votes On Controversial Migration Policy Amid Protests

Nationwide demonstrations erupt against CDU's collaboration with AfD on new stricter immigration measures.

The German Parliament has passed a controversial migration policy proposal known as the 'Fünf-Punkte-Plan,' initiated by the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU). The contentious plan has garnered both support and significant backlash, sparking nationwide protests just after its passage.

On January 30, 2025, the Bundestag voted, with the proposal receiving 348 votes in favor, including substantial backing from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). This surprising collaboration has raised eyebrows across the political spectrum. Notably, Friedrich Merz, the CDU leader and candidate for Chancellor, defended the proposal, arguing it aimed at securing borders and addressing migration concerns.

While the CDU/CSU celebrated the proposal's passage, it faced fierce opposition from the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the Greens, and the Left Party. Chancellor Olaf Scholz highlighted the troubling cooperation with the AfD, critiquing Merz for making the party's support acceptable. "This is not the path toward consensus and cooperation," Scholz stated, emphasizing the need to respect democratic principles.

The SPD General Secretary Matthias Miersch hinted at potential legal challenges should the law pass through the Bundesrat, insisting it must be reviewed for constitutionality. "We are reserving the right to take this to the Federal Constitutional Court if necessary," Miersch remarked. His comments reflect growing apprehension about the proposal's legality, particularly its components which some experts declare incompatible with constitutional and European Union law.

Following the passage, protests erupted across Germany, beginning on January 31. An estimated 11,000 demonstrators gathered peacefully outside the CDU headquarters in Berlin, voicing their discontent with the union of conservative parties with the AfD. The number reflects only part of the national movement; similar gatherings saw around 10,000 people demonstrating in Freiburg and thousands protesting throughout cities like Munich, Hanover, and Mainz.

Protesters carried signs proclaiming, "No collaboration with the AfD!" and challenged the CDU's direction. "We want to clearly position ourselves against democratic parties working with the AfD. This threatens our democracy," asserted Katharina Mohrmann from the Green Youth. With calls like hers echoing through the crowd, it became evident the protest was not just about migration policy but the fundamental values of democracy itself.

Opposition leaders were quick to add their voices. Alexander Schweitzer, the Prime Minister of Rhineland-Palatinate, criticized the CDU for abandoning the democratic center. "The Union has sought the support of the AfD to push through policies they cannot win approval for among mainstream parties," he concluded, calling for the CDU to withdraw from its proposed law altogether. He accused the party of prioritizing political maneuvering over constructive dialogue.

Similarly, Misbah Khan of the Greens described the vote as “a sin against the democratic values of our post-war society.” The coalition of protesters mirrored these sentiments, urging the CDU to reconsider its alliances and legislative framework.

Friedrich Merz, realizing the political storm surrounding the proposal, tried to pivot. He called on the SPD to join him and support the new migration laws—despite their evident disapproval. "I will remain hopeful until the end for Social Democrats to find the courage to vote for our proposal," he emphasized during political events aimed at swaying public opinion.

The political climate is tense, not merely surrounding migration ideas but the