As critical negotiations unfolded on Friday, German party leaders found themselves in heated discussions, delaying a pivotal debate on an immigration bill. The conservative opposition, led by the CDU-CSU, has threatened to pass the legislation with support from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), raising concerns across the political spectrum.
The controversy ignited earlier in the week when the CDU-CSU relied on AfD votes to advance a motion aimed at tightening border controls and limiting new arrivals. CDU leader Friedrich Merz, a frontrunner for the chancellorship, faced backlash for this unprecedented alliance, which many view as a breach of the long-standing “firewall” against cooperation with far-right parties.
This political maneuver comes in the wake of several deadly attacks that have intensified public anxiety regarding the influx of war refugees and asylum seekers into Germany. With elections approaching on February 23, the stakes are particularly high.
The Bundestag debate, initially set for 10:30 AM (0930 GMT), was abruptly suspended as the CDU called for emergency talks. The pro-business FDP party even suggested postponing the debate entirely, allowing for discussions among parties other than the AfD to seek a collaborative solution.
As senior politicians from various parties met in Merz’s office, the hours of negotiation had yet to yield a resolution. The recent vote, which was met with applause from the AfD, put Merz on the defensive, prompting criticism from former Chancellor Angela Merkel, who labeled the move “wrong.”
Current Chancellor Olaf Scholz accused Merz of violating previously made commitments to distance himself from the AfD, suggesting that this could lead to dangerous alliances in the future. The fear of the AfD entering government remains a haunting prospect for mainstream parties, especially given Germany’s historical context.
While Wednesday’s motion was non-binding, the bill up for debate on Friday carries legal weight, signaling a significant shift in German politics. In response to the CDU’s actions, thousands took to the streets on Thursday, brandishing signs that denounced Merz and called for unity against the far-right.
Merz has pledged to reclaim the immigration agenda from the AfD, moving away from the open-door policies of his centrist predecessor, Merkel. The CDU and its Bavarian counterpart, the CSU, are now advocating for the Influx Limitation Act, which would restrict family reunifications for rejected asylum seekers and enhance the powers of federal police to detain undocumented migrants for swift deportation.
As the deadline for a resolution looms, the political landscape in Germany remains fraught with tension, with the potential for lasting impacts on immigration policy and the nation’s democratic fabric.
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