At a news conference held at the Christian Democratic (CDU) party's headquarters, Friedrich Merz, the current frontrunner for Germany's next chancellor, announced plans to introduce a legislation on reinstating border controls in parliament this week. He made it clear that he would proceed with the bill, even with potential support from the far-right, aiming to emphasize migration as a critical issue in his election campaign to counter anti-immigrant sentiments.
Merz criticized Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democrats and their coalition allies, the Greens, suggesting that their failure to support his proposal might result in it being backed by the nationalist Alternative for Germany (AfD). He asserted that it was the responsibility of the SPD, the Greens, and the liberals to prevent unwanted majorities from forming.
The recent incident involving a failed asylum seeker being arrested for a violent crime has intensified scrutiny on the AfD and their stances. This occurrence, along with a series of violent incidents in Germany attributed to asylum seekers, has heightened public worries about security and immigration, thereby boosting support for the AfD.
Merz highlighted the need for deportations, citing concerns raised by local politicians about potential risks posed by rejected asylum seekers residing in communities. He criticized Scholz for what he perceived as inaction regarding deportation procedures.
Critics of Merz fear that if he secures legislative approval with AfD backing, it could erode the traditional barrier within German politics against aligning with the far right, potentially weakening mainstream political dynamics.
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock voiced opposition to Merz's proposal, calling it unfeasible and a betrayal of Germany's commitment to EU partners. She argued that implementing permanent border controls within the Schengen zone would be detrimental to European unity.
The Alternative for Germany (AfD), originally rooted in economic conservatism, has shifted towards nativist and anti-immigrant positions over the years. Considered far-right and anti-democratic by German authorities, the AfD remains isolated from mainstream political alliances due to its extreme views.
Despite Merz's attempts to distance the conservative bloc from Merkel's immigration policies and appeal to far-right voters, recent polls show the AfD gaining ground, posing challenges to Merz's strategy to diminish their influence in the political landscape.