Overview

• Friedrich Merz, CDU leader and Union's chancellor candidate, proposed stricter migration policies following a deadly knife attack in Aschaffenburg.
• Merz insists there will be no collaboration with the AfD but faces criticism for potentially accepting AfD votes to pass his proposals in the Bundestag.
• SPD, Greens, and other political figures warn that Merz's actions risk undermining the 'Brandmauer' separating mainstream parties from the far-right AfD.
• Tens of thousands protested in cities like Cologne and Berlin against right-wing extremism, with some demonstrators targeting Merz's migration stance.
• Merz's proposals face legal and political challenges, with opponents questioning their compatibility with European and constitutional law.