On January 29th, Germany’s Bundestag backed a non-binding motion to curb illegal migration at its borders. This marked the first time mainstream parties collaborated with the right-wing AfD in parliament.
The CDU/CSU introduced the motion after a tragic knife attack in Aschaffenburg, which claimed two lives. The proposal received 348 votes in favor, 345 against, and ten abstentions. While the exact breakdown remains unclear, the FDP and AfD had pledged support.
Leftist parties, including the SPD and Greens, opposed the measure and criticized the CDU/CSU for aligning with the AfD, arguing it weakened the ‘firewall’ against right-wing populism. Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned the CDU/CSU’s move as an “unforgivable” mistake.
CDU leader Friedrich Merz defended his stance, insisting, “A right decision doesn’t become wrong if the wrong people agree.” He pointed to polls showing that most Germans favor stronger border controls.
The attack’s perpetrator, an Afghan asylum seeker who should have been deported, underscored concerns over Germany’s immigration policies. AfD co-leader Alice Weidel blamed the ‘firewall’ for such tragedies, saying it excluded millions of voters from decision-making.
A survey found that 48% of Germans support AfD-backed migration policies, while a third oppose cooperation with the party. Years of lax migration enforcement under Merkel and Scholz have led to increased crime, further fueling the debate.
Scholz vowed to enforce deportations more effectively, admitting the Aschaffenburg attack could have been prevented. However, critics argue that rejecting migrants violates EU asylum laws. A separate CDU/CSU proposal to expand police surveillance was struck down, even by the AfD, over concerns about citizens’ rights.
