Overview

• Friedrich Merz, CDU leader and chancellor candidate, has proposed stricter migration policies, including a 'factual entry ban' and increased deportations, following a fatal knife attack in Aschaffenburg.
• Merz's willingness to accept AfD votes for his policy proposals has drawn sharp criticism, with opponents warning of potential erosion of the CDU's 'firewall' against the far-right party.
• Prominent figures like climate activist Luisa Neubauer and SPD leader Rolf Mützenich have condemned Merz's approach, accusing him of endangering democratic values and pandering to populist rhetoric.
• Merz's policies have also been compared to Trump-style governance, with critics questioning their legal feasibility under German and EU law.
• A large demonstration in Berlin is planned to oppose right-wing policies, with participants advocating for democratic values and rejecting cooperation with extremist parties.