Germany’s Election Heats Up: Friedrich Merz’s Hardline on Immigration
As Germany enters the final stretch of its election campaign, the man likely to become the next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has intensified his push for stricter immigration policies, signaling a shift toward the political right. Merz, a prominent figure in the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has made migration a central theme of his campaign, echoing the concerns of many Germans in the wake of recent violent attacks involving migrants. Speaking to CNN in Berlin after the CDU’s convention, Merz vowed to “control [Germany’s] borders and return those who are coming without documents” if elected. His party, the Union bloc, which includes the CDU and its Bavarian sister party, the CSU, currently leads the polls with 30% of the vote.
A Wave of Violence Shifts the Narrative
The issue of migration has gained urgency following a series of violent attacks perpetrated by migrants, which have dominated the headlines and shifted the election narrative. In January, an Afghan migrant carried out a fatal attack in Aschaffenburg, leaving two people dead, including a two-year-old boy. Just before Christmas, a Saudi-origin migrant drove a car through a Christmas market in Magdeburg, killing six people. These incidents have catapulted migration to the forefront of the election campaign, with many Germans demanding stricter controls on who enters the country. Merz has capitalised on this sentiment, proposing legislation that severely curbs migration. While a non-binding bill passed with a small majority, the more stringent “Influx Limitation Act” failed to gain traction, even within his own party.
Merz’s Legislative Gambit and Party Division
Merz’s legislative proposals have not only sparked debate but also revealed divisions within his own party. While the non-binding bill passed, the failure of the “Influx Limitation Act” highlighted the challenges Merz faces in uniting his party behind his hardline immigration stance. Notably, some members of the CDU/CSU bloc voted against the bill, underscoring the internal tensions within the party. Merz, however, has dismissed the failure of the bill, shifting the blame onto the ruling Social Democratic Party (SPD), led by current Chancellor Olaf Scholz. He argued that the SPD had previously agreed to similar measures in 2018 and could have supported the current proposals. “They could have agreed with what we proposed,” Merz told CNN. “And my guess is that they will do so after the election.”
The Far-Right Factor: A Risky Alliance
One of the most contentious aspects of Merz’s strategy has been his willingness to court the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. In a move that has raised eyebrows, Merz indicated that he would not mind if the AfD voted for his migration proposals. The AfD, known for its anti-immigrant and nationalist rhetoric, voted in favour of both pieces of legislation introduced by Merz, helping the non-binding bill pass. This decision has been criticised as a risky gambit, as collaborating with the far-right is considered taboo in German politics. The so-called “firewall” between the mainstream parties and the AfD has long been a cornerstone of German political etiquette, and Merz’s stance has sparked widespread outrage. Hundreds of thousands of protesters took to the streets, condemning his willingness to work with the far-right.
Despite the backlash, Merz has reiterated that working with the AfD is a non-starter. “They are against everything we stand for,” he told CNN. “There is no cooperation with this party.” However, his willingness to accept the AfD’s support for his legislation has raised questions about the future of German politics and the potential erosion of the firewall that has long separated the mainstream parties from the far-right.
International Implications: Trump, Musk, and Trade Tensions
The German election has also become a stage for international figures to exert their influence. Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla and Twitter, has become an unlikely player in the campaign, openly endorsing the AfD. Musk’s involvement has drawn criticism, with Merz stating, “I don’t appreciate what he is doing, but he is doing something which he is free to do.” Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump has also weighed in, describing the European Union as an “atrocity” and threatening tariffs on European goods. Merz has made it clear that any trade disputes with the EU will be handled at the European level, reflecting the bloc’s commitment to unity in the face of external pressures.
The Election’s Far-reaching Consequences
As the election approaches, the stakes could not be higher. Merz’s hardline immigration stance has polarised the electorate, with some hailing him as a strong leader willing to take tough decisions, while others accuse him of pandering to the far-right and undermining Germany’s liberal values. The outcome of the election will not only determine the direction of German politics but also have significant implications for Europe and the world. With migration, security, and economic stability dominating the agenda, this election is shaping up to be one of the most consequential in recent German history. One thing is certain: the next chancellor will inherit a nation grappling with deep divisions and uncertain about its future.
