CDU leader Friedrich Merz has announced plans to implement a “de facto entry ban” for individuals attempting to enter Germany without valid documentation. If elected Chancellor on February 23, Merz has vowed to enact the measure on his first day in office. The proposed ban would also apply to migrants seeking asylum.
Merz’s stance aligns with long-standing demands from the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which has consistently advocated for stricter immigration controls. Public opinion appears to favor the move, with 66% of Germans supporting or leaning toward supporting the ban, according to an INSA survey conducted for Bild. Only 19% of respondents opposed the idea.
The proposal comes amid ongoing debates over how to address illegal immigration and manage border security in Germany, a topic that has remained politically charged for years. With election day approaching, Merz’s announcement could further influence the national discourse on immigration policy.
