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Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Berlin, gathering outside the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) headquarters to oppose a new migration policy that passed with the support of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). The demonstration, organized by Amnesty International, Seebrücke, and other rights groups, was held under the slogan “Firewall instead of arson”, condemning what activists see as a dangerous political shift.

CDU Pushes Stricter Migration Laws with Far-Right Votes

The controversial migration motion, led by CDU leader Friedrich Merz, calls for tightening border controls and rejecting more asylum seekers. While Merz argues these measures are necessary to enhance national security, critics say the CDU has crossed a political red line by accepting AfD votes.

The debate over migration intensified following a knife attack by a rejected Afghan asylum seeker, which resulted in the deaths of a man and a two-year-old child. In response, Merz introduced two motions in parliament advocating for stronger border enforcement and enhanced security measures.

The first motion, calling for stricter asylum rejections at Germany’s borders, narrowly passed with 348 votes in favor to 345 against, with 10 abstentions. The far-right AfD backed the proposal, helping it pass despite widespread opposition.

A second motion, which included broader migration policy reforms and increased powers for security authorities, was rejected by parliament.

Political Fallout: CDU Under Fire for AfD Cooperation

The CDU’s willingness to accept AfD support has caused a major political stir in Germany. The party has long insisted on maintaining a “firewall” against working with the far-right, but critics argue that this vote marks a significant shift.

“We are shocked that the CDU deliberately pushed a motion through the Bundestag with votes from the AfD. This is a dangerous breach of democratic principles,” said Wiebke Judith, spokesperson for ProAsyl, Germany’s largest pro-immigration advocacy group. “This is the beginning of the collapse of the firewall meant to protect Germany from the rise of authoritarianism and far-right extremism.”

Merz dismissed the criticism in parliament, stating: “A right decision does not become wrong just because the wrong people agree. It remains right.”

Election Tensions Rise as CDU Gains Momentum

The vote comes just weeks before Germany’s parliamentary elections, following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s three-party coalition. Polls now show the CDU leading with around 30% support, while the AfD stands at 20%. Meanwhile, Scholz’s Social Democrats (SPD) and their coalition partners, the Greens, continue to fall behind.

As migration remains a divisive issue, the CDU is doubling down on stricter border policies to appeal to conservative voters. However, critics warn that embracing AfD-backed policies could further legitimize the far-right and push Germany’s political landscape toward more extreme positions.