Friedrich Merz allies with AfD to push migration restrictions
- Friedrich Merz has proposed strict migration reforms amidst rising populist sentiments.
- He expressed a willingness to work with the AfD to secure passage of these restrictions.
- The collaboration with the AfD has caused alarm among traditional establishment parties.
Germany is currently facing a significant political shift related to its immigration policies. In December 2023, Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), proposed a series of migration restrictions, causing a stir in Berlin. Merz's call to action came in a context where the CDU was preparing for the general election slated for February 2024. He expressed readiness to collaborate with the populist Alternative for Germany (AfD) party to secure votes for these measures, despite the CDU's long-standing position of rejecting any form of cooperation with the far-right party. The proposed reforms primarily focus on reducing the number of undocumented migrants in Germany and include provisions for immediate custody of individuals with deportation orders. Merz aims to establish migrant removal centers and revoke citizenship from serious criminals with dual nationality. Additionally, he calls for imposing limits on family reunification practices, commonly referred to as chain migration. This hardline approach reflects a discernible shift in CDU's strategy, driven partly by rising support for the AfD in the wake of public unease surrounding immigration. Critics of this proposal are vocally concerned about its implications for Germany’s democratic foundations. Prominent figures from the left, including members of the former traffic light coalition government, have condemned Merz's willingness to partner with the AfD, warning of a dangerous precedent that could emerge from such collaboration. Robert Habeck, the chancellor candidate for the Greens, labeled the potential CDU-AfD cooperation as a “step too far.” Meanwhile, incumbent Chancellor Olaf Scholz firmly asserted that there must be no collaboration with extreme right-wing parties. The underlying panic among establishment parties regarding the surge in populism is palpable, as many believe that the AfD uses fears related to mass illegal migration to stoke xenophobia and conspiracy theories. This growing political landscape could redefine both the CDU's and AfD’s roles in future governance. The political and social ramifications of the proposed reforms could either strengthen Merz's position ahead of the elections or further alienate traditional CDU voters who oppose any association with the AfD.