Overview

• The CDU, led by Friedrich Merz, collaborated with the AfD to pass a Bundestag motion on stricter migration policies, marking an unprecedented political move.
• The motion, which includes measures like increased border rejections and stricter deportations, has drawn criticism from across the political spectrum and civil society.
• Mass protests erupted, with over 75,000 people demonstrating in cities across Germany against the perceived erosion of the 'firewall' between mainstream parties and the far-right AfD.
• Internal divisions within the CDU and FDP emerged, with some members opposing the collaboration and others supporting the measures for electoral strategy.
• Key political figures, including former Chancellor Angela Merkel, condemned the CDU's actions, while Merz defended the move as necessary to address migration challenges.