Germany’s Bundestag narrowly rejected a controversial migration bill proposed by the conservative opposition, which had received support from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). The vote ended with 350 against and 338 in favor, preventing what could have been the first law passed with far-right backing.
A Heated Debate and Political Divisions
The rejected bill, backed by the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) under Friedrich Merz, aimed to tighten immigration laws by limiting family reunification for migrants under temporary protection and granting federal police greater authority for deportations.
Merz, a leading candidate for chancellor in the upcoming elections on February 23, has pushed for stricter migration controls following a recent knife attack by a failed asylum seeker. However, his approach has sparked criticism, with opponents accusing him of breaking the mainstream political taboo of aligning with AfD.
Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel publicly condemned Merz for the bill, emphasizing the long-standing political consensus of isolating far-right forces in German politics.
Parliamentary Vote and Political Impact
The vote followed an intense debate, reflecting deep political divisions. Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s ruling coalition, comprising the Social Democrats (SPD) and the Greens, firmly opposed the bill. The close outcome—just a 12-vote difference—revealed growing pressure on Germany’s migration policies.
CDU currently leads in the polls with 30% support, while AfD ranks second with 20%. The SPD and Greens trail behind, struggling to regain political momentum amid rising migration concerns.
The rejection of the bill highlights Germany’s political tensions over migration, as conservative parties push for stricter measures while others warn against normalizing far-right influence. With elections approaching, migration policy remains a key battleground in German politics.
