Germany is witnessing intense political maneuvering as opposition leader Friedrich Merz seeks to place migration policy at the forefront of his campaign ahead of the February 23 elections. Amid rising public concern over safety and immigration, Merz's push for stricter border controls has attracted both support and scorn, particularly due to its alignment with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
Opposition leader Merz, who heads the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), recently vowed to introduce legislation aimed at restoring border controls. His announcement came just days after the tragic stabbing of two people, including a toddler, by an Afghan man who was a rejected asylum seeker. The violent incident has stoked calls for tighter immigration laws and has cast the spotlight on Merz's party, which has been struggling to fend off the rise of the AfD.
At a press conference, Merz emphasized, “Neither the SPD nor the Greens, and certainly not the AfD are going to tell us what draft laws we bring before parliament.” His determination to pursue the legislation even if it means requiring support from the AfD has alarmed many within the political establishment, who see this as a potential breach of the long-standing “firewall” against far-right collaboration. The AfD, which has gained traction recently, is labeled as anti-democratic and vehemently opposed by other political parties.
Despite the CDU’s struggles to re-establish its identity under Merz’s leadership, polls indicate the opposition party is currently leading with around 30% support, compared to the AfD’s roughly 20%. This rise is largely attributed to the growing public fear surrounding immigration and integration issues. Merz’s critics argue his cooperation with the AfD could dismantle the political mainstream's resistance, undermining years of effort to contain far-right influence.
Merz’s recent proposal, which involves turning back numerous migrants before they enter Germany, is framed as necessary action. He declared to reporters, “There are 40,000 asylum applicants who need to be deported.” Merz’s rallying cry against unregulated immigration and criminality resonates with constituents who desire decisive action following the violent attacks attributed to asylum seekers.
The political drama unfolded dramatically last week when an opposition-sponsored bill aimed at tougher migration rules was narrowly rejected. Critics argue it could have become the first legislation influenced by far-right support since World War II, leading to concerns about normalizing collaboration with extremist parties.
This debate has sparked significant protests across German cities, with demonstrators fiercely opposing any association with the AfD. During one of the protests, participants held banners reading, “If AfD is the answer, how stupid is the question?” highlighting widespread discontent with Merz’s strategic direction.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition government condemned Merz’s strategy, with Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock characterizing his move as “unworkable and treacherous to our European partners.” Baerbock insisted, “If we start doing this, Europe breaks down,” emphasizing the broader repercussions of collapsing established norms against far-right endorsement.
Former Chancellor Angela Merkel voiced her disappointment with Merz’s tactics, asserting it was “wrong” to pursue legislation facilitated by the AfD's support. The political climate remains charged as Merz insists his intention is not to ally with the AfD, but rather to address pressing concerns surrounding immigration effectively.
The AfD, which first entered the parliament just over five years ago, has escalated its rhetoric, calling for more substantial limitations on immigration and successfully running on its anti-immigration platform. Their recent gains have put mainstream parties on alert, drawing attention to the factors contributing to their popularity, including dissatisfaction with how current leadership addresses security and immigration.
Public opinion on migration remains divided, with some citizens favoring stricter measures, as evidenced by their support for Merz. Yet, many remain wary of developing ties with the AfD, fearing it could lead to normalization of far-right ideologies within Germany's political discourse.
These tensions will likely shape campaigns as Germany approaches its pivotal election. With public sentiment fluctuated and concerns over national security heightened by tragic incidents involving asylum seekers, how Merz handles the immigration discourse will be significant. It could either bolster his party’s future or lead to serious backlash against the CDU, jeopardizing the traditional coalition structures within the German political system.
Looking forward to February 23, the political stakes are high—Merz faces pressure to connect with voters who desire action on migration without compromising democratic values. The question remains: can Merz find common ground to address security concerns without falling prey to far-right influence? The coming weeks will reveal if his strategy can navigate the stormy waters of public opinion and political alliances effectively.