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3mo ago

German CDU Faces Backlash Over Far-Right Support in Immigration Votes

Friedrich Merz's controversial strategy draws protests, poll declines, and criticism ahead of February 23 election.

People look at flowers and candles on December 22, 2024, near a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, where a man had driven a car into a crowd.
Friedrich Merz, chancellor candidate and leader of the Christian Democrats (CDU), speaks to delegates at a CDU party congress in Berlin on February 3.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz speaks to the media on the day of an informal European Union leaders summit at Palais d'Egmont in Brussels, Belgium February 3, 2025. REUTERS/Yves Herman/File Photo
CDU party leader and top candidate for chancellor, Friedrich Merz, gestures as he speaks during the 37. Federal Party Convention of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) ahead of the upcoming 2025 general election in Berlin, Germany February 3, 2025. REUTERS/Annegret Hilse/File Photo

Overview

  • CDU leader Friedrich Merz relied on far-right AfD votes to pass a non-binding immigration resolution, breaking a longstanding political taboo in Germany.
  • The move has led to mass protests across the country and a backlash from other mainstream parties, including Chancellor Olaf Scholz's SPD and former Chancellor Angela Merkel.
  • Recent polls show the CDU/CSU bloc losing support, now at 28-30%, while the far-right AfD remains steady at 20%, and the SPD has gained ground at 16-18%.
  • Merz has publicly distanced himself from the AfD, insisting his party will not collaborate with them, despite criticism over the perceived weakening of the 'firewall' against the far-right.
  • The controversy has complicated prospects for coalition-building after the election, with no party expected to secure a majority, and increased focus on immigration dominating the campaign.