Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) headquarters in Berlin to protest against a new migration policy. The controversial policy passed with the support of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). The protest was organized by Amnesty International, Seebrücke, and other human rights groups under the slogan “Firewall instead of arson”. Protesters condemned the CDU for breaking its longstanding commitment not to work with the AfD. Many fear that this vote could normalize far-right influence in German politics.
CDU Pushes Stricter Migration Policy with Far-Right Support
The new migration policy, introduced by CDU leader Friedrich Merz, calls for tighter border controls and increased rejection of asylum seekers. Merz argues that these measures will strengthen national security. However, critics believe that the CDU has dangerously shifted toward the far-right to pass its proposal.
The debate gained momentum after 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 presented two motions in parliament. These motions aimed to tighten border controls and enforce stricter asylum regulations.
The first motion, which seeks to increase the rejection of asylum seekers at Germany’s borders, narrowly passed with 348 votes in favor and 345 against. The far-right AfD played a decisive role in securing its passage, despite opposition from government coalition parties.
A second motion, which proposed more comprehensive migration reforms and enhanced powers for security agencies, was rejected by a parliamentary majority.
Political Fallout as CDU Faces Backlash Over AfD Cooperation
The CDU’s reliance on AfD votes has sparked intense criticism and political controversy across Germany. The party had previously pledged to maintain a “firewall” against working with the far-right. However, critics argue that this vote represents a dangerous shift in political strategy.
“We are shocked that the CDU deliberately passed a motion in the Bundestag with votes from the AfD. This is a serious breach of democratic principles,” said Wiebke Judith, spokesperson for ProAsyl, Germany’s largest pro-immigration advocacy group. “This vote could be the first step toward dismantling the firewall that protects Germany from authoritarianism and right-wing extremism.”
Merz dismissed these concerns, stating in parliament: “A right decision does not become wrong just because the wrong people agree. It remains right.”
The vote comes just weeks before Germany’s national elections, following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s three-party coalition. Recent polls show the CDU leading with around 30% support, while the far-right AfD follows with 20%. Meanwhile, Scholz’s Social Democrats (SPD) and their coalition partners, the Greens, continue to decline in voter support.
Migration has become one of the most contentious issues in the upcoming election. The CDU is doubling down on stricter border policies to gain conservative votes. However, critics warn that cooperating with the AfD could further legitimize the far-right and shift Germany’s political landscape to the right.
