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Merz Proposes Strict Migration Controls Post-Aschaffenburg Attack, Opens Door to AfD Support Ahead of Feb. 23 Election

Jan 24, 2025, 12:14 PM

Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and a leading candidate for chancellor in the upcoming February 23 election, has vowed to implement strict border controls and a 'de facto entry ban' for individuals without valid travel documents if elected. This policy shift comes in the wake of a deadly knife attack in Aschaffenburg, allegedly carried out by an Afghan asylum seeker who was supposed to have been deported, resulting in the deaths of a 2-year-old boy and a 41-year-old man. Merz's proposal includes permanent border checks and the rejection of all attempts at illegal entry, even for those with a claim to protection. He plans to use his authority as chancellor to direct the Federal Ministry of the Interior to enforce these measures from his first day in office. The CDU intends to introduce motions to tighten migration policy in the Bundestag next week, regardless of who supports them, which could potentially involve votes from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. This move has sparked controversy, with Chancellor Olaf Scholz and other center-left parties expressing concern over the potential breach of the 'firewall' against cooperation with the AfD.