German Opposition Leader Faces Criticism Over Far-Right Support for Migration Crackdown

Friedrich Merz's proposed asylum law changes, backed by the far-right AfD, challenge Germany's political norms ahead of national elections.

Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany's Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has proposed stricter asylum laws, including border closures and increased deportations, following a deadly attack in Aschaffenburg allegedly committed by an Afghan asylum seeker.
The proposals have drawn sharp criticism for potentially breaking European law and for relying on support from the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), breaking Germany's long-standing political firewall against the party.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and opposition leaders warn that accepting AfD support could erode democratic norms and lead to further normalization of far-right politics in Germany.
Religious leaders and tens of thousands of protesters have voiced concerns that the proposed measures could stigmatize migrants and fuel xenophobia, with demonstrations held against the rise of far-right influence in German politics.
The debate over the asylum law changes has intensified less than a month before national elections, with Merz's CDU leading in polls but facing challenges in forming a coalition without further controversy.