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A political firestorm has erupted in Germany as Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), signaled openness to collaborating with the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party on immigration reform, challenging long-standing political taboos ahead of February’s general election.
Merz, who is favored to become the next chancellor, has proposed sweeping immigration restrictions in response to recent migrant-related violence, including last week’s deadly stabbing in Aschaffenburg that claimed two lives, including a toddler, allegedly perpetrated by an Afghan migrant. Similar attacks in Magdeburg, Mannheim, and Solingen have intensified public concern over immigration policies.
The CDU leader’s reform package includes implementing permanent border controls, expediting deportations of illegal residents, establishing nationwide deportation facilities, and limiting chain migration. Merz has pushed for immediate parliamentary action, declaring: “It’s really time to make decisions now.”
🚨BREAKING: German patriots march streets chanting ‘those who hate Germany must leave Germany!”
The AfD must win in February. pic.twitter.com/RW27PHIfTN
— Inevitable West (@Inevitablewest) January 28, 2025
While maintaining his stance against forming a coalition government with the AfD, Merz’s willingness to accept their votes for passing immigration reform has sparked outrage among establishment figures. The CDU has justified these measures by citing rising populist support, while acknowledging the AfD’s role in exploiting immigration-related fears.
“The AfD uses problems, worries and fears caused by mass illegal migration to fuel xenophobia and spread conspiracy theories. She wants Germany to leave the EU and the euro and instead turn to Putin’s Eurasian Economic Union. All of this endangers Germany’s stability, security and prosperity. That’s why this party is not a partner, but our political opponent,” the CDU stated.
Defending his position, Merz argued, “What is right in the matter will not be wrong because the wrong people agree,” while still urging traditional parties to support his proposals to “prevent there from being majorities that none of us want”.
LAWYER UP: I’m rarely in favor of litigation, but Elon Musk and the AfD ought to sue Catherine Rampell and CNN for defamation. @ScottJenningsKY was right, she acted with malice and needs to be held accountable.
h/t @alx pic.twitter.com/YOjhEAU4s7
— @amuse (@amuse) January 28, 2025
The potential collaboration has drawn sharp criticism from prominent political figures. Green Party chancellor candidate Robert Habeck warned that such cooperation would represent a “dangerous step… a step too far,” suggesting it would fundamentally alter the CDU’s centrist identity. Chancellor Olaf Scholz firmly stated: “There must be no cooperation with extreme right-wing parties in Germany, at any time and nowhere.”
AfD chancellor candidate Alice Weidel criticized Merz’s approach, accusing him of behaving like a “doormat” for the establishment and engaging in “tactical games.” She asserted that meaningful immigration reform “can only happen with the AfD!”
The debate has exposed growing tensions between maintaining traditional political boundaries and addressing pressing immigration concerns, potentially reshaping Germany’s political landscape as the February election approaches.