Friedrich Merz, the frontrunner in Germany’s February 23 election, is set to propose migration restrictions that could pass with support from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), breaking a longstanding political taboo.
As leader of the CDU/CSU conservative bloc, Merz is pushing for border closures and heightened security measures following recent fatal stabbings by an Afghan asylum seeker. With Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s SPD and the Greens opposing the proposals, Merz may rely on AfD votes—despite previously pledging to avoid any initiatives requiring their support.
While Merz rules out forming a coalition with the AfD, analysts warn that weakening the political firewall around the far-right could both legitimize the party and alienate centrist voters. Recent polls show CDU/CSU support slipping to 28%, while AfD has risen to 21%.
Merz will introduce a non-binding parliamentary motion on Wednesday, followed by a draft law on migration reforms set for a vote on Friday.
