Former Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz isn’t mincing words—Angela Merkel’s disastrous 2015 open-border policy, he says, paved the way for the Alternative for Germany (AfD) to surge in popularity. Ignoring migration concerns, he warns, will only strengthen right-wing populism in Germany and across Europe.
Speaking to Bild, Kurz made it clear: without Merkel’s migration stance, the AfD wouldn’t be where it is today.
“Without the wrong migration policy since 2015, there would not be such a strong AfD in Germany. The failed migration policy is the guarantee that the AfD will continue to grow.”
Border Control Isn’t Just Talk—It’s Action
Kurz, who was Austria’s foreign minister during the 2015 migrant crisis, fully backs CDU leader Friedrich Merz’s push to crack down on illegal migration at Germany’s borders.
“I don’t just think that is correct, but it is absolutely necessary,” he stated.
He’s seen firsthand how unchecked migration can spiral out of control. Back in 2015, Europe’s so-called “welcome culture” triggered a flood of migrants, making the crisis even worse. But when Austria and others shut down the Balkan route, the tide turned. That, he argues, proves the same can be done today—if Germany leads the way.
“When we shut down the Balkan route, other countries followed, and we saw a reversal of the migration wave. The same is possible today. If Germany takes the lead, other European nations will follow.”
Don’t Fear the AfD—Do What’s Right
The CDU recently tried to push tougher immigration laws through Germany’s parliament, a move that sparked outrage from left-wing activists in Berlin. The kicker? The legislation could only pass with AfD support.
Kurz shrugged off the controversy. Politicians, he argued, shouldn’t obsess over who backs a policy—they should focus on getting things done.
“A politician should do what is right and not constantly worry about who supports or opposes it. That is what leadership means.”
Too many conservatives, he says, are afraid of being on the same side as populists. That’s a mistake.
“In Germany, there is a fear that a policy could be supported by the AfD,” he noted. “But you cannot intentionally do something wrong just to avoid being on the same voting side as the AfD.”
Kurz knows this from experience. His own coalition with Austria’s right-wing FPÖ from 2017-2019 didn’t create populism—it proved that strong policies win elections. And sure enough, after Austria’s left-wing parties took over, the FPÖ roared back to win last September’s elections. Now, its leader Herbert Kickl is likely to become Austria’s first FPÖ chancellor.
The Warning Germany Can’t Ignore
For Kurz, the lesson is clear: Merkel’s migration policies supercharged the AfD, and if Germany’s leaders don’t wake up, the party will keep growing.
“If you really want right-wing parties to grow without limits, then you should continue ignoring the legitimate concerns of a large part of the population,” he warned.
Germany’s political elite can either listen to voters—or watch as they turn to the AfD in even greater numbers.
