German Bundestag Faces Historic Migration Policy Votes

Union's migration proposals spark contentious debate over potential AfD support and implications for democracy ahead of February's election.

The Bundestag will vote today on two Union proposals, including a controversial Five-Point Plan for stricter migration controls and a policy shift on internal security.
The AfD has pledged to support the Five-Point Plan but opposes the internal security proposal, citing concerns over civil liberties and foreign policy implications.
Critics, including SPD, Greens, and major church leaders, accuse the Union of breaking democratic norms by accepting potential AfD support for their proposals.
Union leader Friedrich Merz defends the measures as necessary to address recent violent incidents and migration challenges, while rejecting claims of collaboration with the AfD.
Recent polls show the SPD losing significant support, the AfD surging to 23%, and the Union maintaining a lead with 29% ahead of the February 23 Bundestag election.