CDU Faces Protests and Internal Debate Over Migration Policy at Berlin Party Congress

Friedrich Merz defends his migration agenda as demonstrations and criticism over AfD vote alignment intensify ahead of Germany's federal election.

Over 160,000 demonstrators in Berlin protested against the CDU's perceived alignment with the AfD during a recent Bundestag vote on migration policy.
CDU leader Friedrich Merz reiterated that his party will not cooperate with the AfD, despite backlash over accepting their votes for a migration bill.
The CDU's proposed 15-point 'Sofortprogramm' includes stricter border controls and economic reforms, aiming to address migration, security, and economic competitiveness.
145 civil society organizations criticized Merz's migration proposals as divisive and urged the CDU to uphold democratic and human rights principles.
Key CDU leaders, including Markus Söder and Boris Rhein, defended Merz's stance, emphasizing the party's commitment to a migration policy shift and distancing from the AfD.