Richard Parks German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has launched a fierce attack on opposition leader Friedrich Merz after the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) supported his controversial migration policy. Scholz accused Merz of tearing down Germany’s political firewall against the far right, calling it an “unforgivable mistake.”
Merz introduced two non-binding motions in parliament, proposing stricter border controls and turning back asylum seekers. His “five-point plan” to curb irregular migration narrowly passed by 348 votes to 345, with 10 abstentions. The governing Social Democrats (SPD) and Greens strongly opposed the motion, arguing it violates both German and EU asylum laws.
Migration Debate Intensifies Amid Security Concerns
The vote came amid growing public anxiety following a knife attack by a rejected Afghan asylum seeker, in which two people were killed. The suspect had been receiving psychiatric treatment and was scheduled for deportation, but bureaucratic delays prevented his removal. The case reignited calls for harsher immigration policies, with Merz seizing the moment to push for reforms.
The issue has dominated political discourse, especially after another violent incident in Magdeburg, where an SUV plowed into a Christmas market, killing six people. The suspect, a Saudi doctor, was arrested.
With Germany’s February 23 election approaching, Merz’s CDU/CSU alliance, currently leading in the polls, has taken a harder stance on migration, shifting the debate further to the right. Critics argue that Merz is using public fear to advance his political agenda.
CDU Under Fire for Breaking Anti-AfD Stance
In an explosive parliamentary debate, Scholz accused Merz of aligning with extremists to pass his proposal. “You are working with those who fight against our democracy, undermine European unity, and spread division,” Scholz declared.
Deputy Chancellor Robert Habeck (Greens) also criticized Merz, urging him: “Do not vote with racists. It is unnecessary and irresponsible.”
Merz defended himself, insisting that AfD’s support was not requested but ultimately necessary. “A right decision does not become wrong just because the wrong people support it,” he argued.
AfD leader Alice Weidel celebrated the outcome, declaring: “The so-called firewall was always just an anti-democratic pact.” She added that Merz had effectively adopted AfD policies.
Merz now plans to introduce a draft migration law on Friday, though it cannot pass before the election. If he becomes chancellor, he is expected to push the reforms through.
Public Support for Merz Grows, But Church Leaders Warn of Dangerous Precedent
A new Insa poll found that 66% of Germans support Merz’s migration plan, including 56% of SPD voters. However, while the CDU/CSU and SPD have both lost ground in recent polls, the AfD has gained four percentage points.
Germany’s Protestant and Catholic churches issued a joint letter warning against CDU’s willingness to accept AfD support. “Breaking this long-held political taboo could cause lasting harm to German democracy,” the letter read.
Religious leaders also criticized the timing and rhetoric of the debate, warning it could fuel hostility toward migrants rather than addressing real policy solutions.