German Opposition Leader Pushes Border Control Proposal Despite Far-Right Controversy

Friedrich Merz's plan to reinstate border checks faces criticism for potential EU violations and reliance on far-right votes.

Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany's opposition CDU, plans to propose legislation to restore permanent border controls and increase deportations of rejected asylum seekers.
Merz has indicated he would pass the law with support from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) if necessary, challenging the political firewall against cooperation with the party.
The proposal follows a deadly knife attack by a rejected Afghan asylum seeker, which has intensified public debate on migration and domestic security ahead of the February 23 snap election.
Critics, including Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, argue the plan violates the EU's Schengen Agreement and undermines European unity, with concerns raised over its practicality and legal feasibility.
The CDU leads current election polls, with migration and security emerging as central campaign issues, though Merz's pivot to the right risks further empowering the AfD, now polling second.