Merz Faces Threats After Controversial Migration Vote, Security Tightened
Friedrich Merz, the Christian Democratic Union’s (CDU) candidate for chancellor, is facing serious security concerns following a heated January 31 Bundestag vote on migration. The CDU leader’s call for his party to back a non-binding resolution to reject migrants at Germany’s borders, alongside the Free Democrats (FDP) and the anti-globalist Alternative for Germany (AfD), has sparked outrage from the Left.
The move, breaking a longstanding political barrier against anti-globalist groups, has led to fears of violent retaliation from far-left factions. According to Bild, German security services have raised Merz’s protection to the same level as that of Chancellor Olaf Scholz, involving the BKA central criminal investigation agency. In response, Merz has scaled back public appearances and increased his security measures, even using a convoy to ensure his safety, though the exact vehicle he uses remains secret.
Despite heightened security screenings at public events, including the confiscation of personal items like homemade food at a CDU conference, protesters have managed to bypass these measures. Greenpeace activists, using fake press passes, infiltrated the event and disrupted the proceedings, calling attention to Merz’s stance on migration.
Politically, Merz’s controversial stance has led to mixed reactions in the polls. Surveys from Forsa and YouGov suggest his alignment with the AfD has boosted left-wing support, particularly for Scholz’s Social Democrats (SPD). However, other data from INSA shows the CDU maintaining a steady 30 percent in support, with no significant gains for the Left yet. The AfD continues to hold its ground as the second-largest political force, with around 20 to 22 percent of public backing.
