Germany's parliament has rejected Merz's migration bill. What does this mean for future immigration policies?
The Bundestag of Germany has expressed opposition to a radical tightening of the country's immigration legislation. This information comes from UNN, citing the British publication The Guardian.
Details
According to the publication, the German parliament rejected an initiative to tighten immigration policy proposed by Friedrich Merz, the leader of the opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU).
The bill garnered significant attention as it received support from the far-right party "Alternative for Germany" (AfD), prompting a wave of protests across the nation.
A total of 693 deputies participated in the vote. 350 deputies voted against the bill, while 338 supported it. 5 deputies abstained.
Friedrich Merz justified his initiative by emphasizing the need to ensure internal security and combat crime among immigrants. He categorically denied any cooperation with AfD, stating that he acts solely in the interest of the country.
Merz claimed that the bill was necessary in response to a series of high-profile murders committed by individuals with migrant backgrounds. Chancellor Olaf Scholz responded by noting that existing laws are sufficient to prevent such attacks if properly implemented.
It is noted that according to recent polls, between 66% and 67% of Germans support permanent border controls, including 56% of supporters of the Social Democratic Party.
Following the high-profile events of this week, during which Merz was accused of courting the far-right, parallels were drawn with political processes that led to the rise of the Nazis due to divisions within democratic parties.
He called on Merz to abandon his initiative and "restore the firewall against cooperation with AfD," warning that otherwise he risks tarnishing his political reputation.
According to the publication, in his speech, Merz unexpectedly criticized his predecessor Angela Merkel, stating that his party is "largely responsible" for AfD entering the Bundestag in 2017.
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock of the Green Party urged Merz to withdraw his bill: "This is not about you, it’s about Germany. Sometimes you have to change your policy by 180 degrees. Now is such a moment. Make the right choice."
According to the first poll conducted after the vote, AfD's rating remained at 22%, while support for the CDU/CSU bloc decreased by 1% to 29%. Meanwhile, Olaf Scholz's SPD gained 1.5%, reaching 17%, which is its best result in the last two months.
Amid political tensions throughout Germany, a wave of protests erupted against the cooperation of conservatives with the far-right. In Berlin, at the Brandenburg Gate, activists created a symbolic inscription with light letters: "Hope and Resistance," while on posters featuring the CDU logo, the word "firewall" (brandmauer) was crossed out and replaced with "arsonist" (brandstifter).
Reminder
Candidate for Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz stated that if elected, he would close the borders to illegal migrants on his first day in office. The politician intends to instruct border guards to reject all attempts at illegal entry without exception.
German Patriots began patrolling near the Polish-Ukrainian border23.01.25, 15:45 • 21722 views