The German political landscape is shifting as conservative leader Friedrich Merz, the frontrunner to become the next chancellor, hinted at breaking a long-standing taboo. Merz suggested his Christian Democratic Union (CDU) may push stricter migration policies through parliament, even if it means relying on support from the anti-globalist Alternative for Germany (AfD).
This marks a significant departure from the traditional “firewall,” or Brandmauer, maintained by mainstream parties to isolate the AfD. Alice Weidel, the AfD’s chancellor candidate, celebrated the move, declaring on X, “The firewall has fallen! That is good news for our country!”
The CDU’s leadership confirmed the party’s intent to propose tougher migration measures, even if the AfD ends up as their sole supporter. “We will introduce motions in the German Bundestag that are exclusively in line with our convictions,” Merz affirmed, adding, “And we will introduce them regardless of who agrees with them.”
The move comes amid rising public concern over migration, which polls show is the top voter issue ahead of Germany’s February 23 election. Recent events, including a tragic knife attack in Bavaria allegedly carried out by an Afghan man, have intensified pressure on lawmakers to act.
The AfD, polling at 20%, has capitalized on these concerns, positioning itself as a strong voice against migration. Following the attack, Weidel penned a letter to Merz, offering her party’s support for stricter policies. However, conservatives dismissed the offer, labeling it a ploy. “This does not require the poisoned offers from the AfD,” said Thorsten Frei, a CDU parliamentarian.
While the CDU insists it can tackle migration without the far-right’s backing, cracks in the firewall have been growing. In 2020, the CDU and the liberal Free Democrats voted alongside the AfD in Thuringia to oust a left-wing state premier, sparking outrage and a leadership shakeup within the CDU.
As Germany heads toward a critical election, the question looms: Will the CDU’s pragmatic approach to migration signal a deeper political shift, or will it reignite tensions over the far-right’s role in shaping national policy? Only time will tell.
