Overview

• Friedrich Merz's recent migration policy proposals aim to attract disillusioned voters, including some from the AfD, with a focus on stricter border controls and asylum measures.
• The CDU's controversial parliamentary vote alongside the AfD has drawn widespread criticism from political opponents and public protests, including a major demonstration in Berlin with over 160,000 participants.
• Internal CDU divisions are evident as some members, including Karin Prien, express discomfort with the party's approach and emphasize the need for a clear stance against working with the AfD.
• Merz's strategy has shown some success, with polls indicating that 20% of AfD voters might consider switching to the CDU, though experts caution against overestimating these early results.
• The CDU's leadership, including Carsten Linnemann, continues to defend the party's migration policies, framing them as necessary to address public concerns about security and governance.