CDU Leader Merz Proposes Tightening Migration Policies with Permanent Border Controls and Mass Detention

Jan 26, 2025, 11:45 AM

Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany's Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has announced plans to tighten migration policies, including permanent border controls and a de facto entry ban for many migrants. Merz's proposals, which he intends to bring to the German parliament next week, have sparked controversy due to his willingness to accept votes from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party to pass these measures. This approach has led to accusations of weakening the 'firewall' against cooperation with the AfD. Merz's strategy follows recent violent incidents, including a knife attack in Aschaffenburg, which he cited as a reason for the need for a policy shift. The CDU's proposals include measures such as the mass detention and deportation of 100,000 migrants annually, and the establishment of permanent border controls, referred to as 'Grenzkontrollen'. Merz has faced criticism from the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Greens, with Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressing doubts about Merz's commitment to not collaborating with the AfD. Despite the controversy, Merz has insisted that there will be no formal cooperation or coalition with the AfD, but he is open to their votes on this issue.