German Parliament Rejects Migration Bill Backed by Far-Right AfD
Conservative leader Friedrich Merz faces backlash after breaking political norms to secure support for controversial immigration legislation.
- The bill, which sought to tighten immigration rules, was rejected in a 350-338 vote, with five abstentions, after heated parliamentary debates.
- Friedrich Merz, the conservative CDU leader and frontrunner for chancellor, faced criticism for relying on far-right AfD votes to pass a prior non-binding motion on migration policy.
- The legislation proposed stricter border controls and limits on refugee family reunifications, but opponents argued it violated European law and undermined Germany's democratic principles.
- Former Chancellor Angela Merkel and other political leaders condemned Merz's actions, warning of the erosion of Germany's 'firewall' against collaborating with extremist parties.
- Polls show the CDU leading with 30% support ahead of the February 23 snap election, with the AfD in second at 20%, but the controversy has deepened divisions among mainstream parties.
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