Federal Election 2025 is marked by the Union’s push for stricter migration policies, potentially with AfD support, despite Chancellor Scholz’s warnings against collaboration with the far-right party. Scholz has urged the Union to reconsider its stance on draft laws to enhance asylum and security measures. Union leaders plan to vote on migration proposals, while the AfD is expected to decide on its support. A potential coalition involving AfD may challenge longstanding political norms in Germany.
Federal Election 2025 Overview
The Union remains committed to advancing its proposals for a more stringent migration policy in the Bundestag, with indications of support from the AfD. Chancellor Scholz has cautioned the Union against any collaboration with the AfD.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz has called on the Union to reconsider its opposition to existing draft laws aimed at tightening asylum and security protocols. He criticized the CDU/CSU for presenting half-formed or clearly illegal proposals while simultaneously blocking concrete initiatives from the government. Scholz expressed this concern during an appearance on Morgenmagazin.
Currently, there are draft laws designed to enhance police operational capabilities through biometric checks, improve the Federal Police’s effectiveness, and reform the European asylum system, which could address many pressing issues. Notably, the government reported 40,000 rejections at German borders in 2024, reflecting ongoing challenges in migration management.
CDU leader Merz is expected to unveil asylum and migration proposals in the Bundestag on Wednesday.
Scholz Raises Alarm Over Potential Union-AfD Coalition
The SPD leader accused the Union of failing to engage in constructive dialogue, suggesting that Merz is courting the AfD for support on his initiatives. ‘Citizens should question whether a CDU and AfD majority would lead to a black-blue coalition,’ Scholz remarked, alluding to the historical non-cooperation of centrist parties with the AfD. He stressed the importance of maintaining this separation.
‘Preventing a Black-Blue Coalition is Crucial,’ Olaf Scholz, Federal Chancellor, SPD, on Migration Policy
In a joint letter, seven SPD state leaders expressed concern over the possibility of democratic politicians aligning with AfD members in the Bundestag on this issue. They noted the increasing classification of the AfD as right-wing extremist in numerous states and insisted that the divide between democratic and undemocratic parties must remain intact.
Union Pushes for Vote on Migration Proposals
Despite the controversies, Union leaders are determined to bring their proposals for a tougher migration policy to a vote in the Bundestag on Wednesday, even if support from the AfD seems necessary. ‘We will not be deterred from bringing forward the policy we believe is right,’ stated Thorsten Frei (CDU), the parliamentary manager of CDU/CSU deputies. He emphasized that the Union does not collaborate with the AfD and does not share draft proposals with them.
Frei articulated that to combat extremism and populism, genuine issues must be addressed, and the Union seeks support from the SPD and Greens instead. He urged centrist parties to act responsibly regarding these proposals.
The SPD state leaders have made a heartfelt appeal to their Union counterparts, criticizing the CDU leadership’s actions.
Union Critiques SPD Initiatives as Ineffective
Frei dismissed the SPD’s attempts to secure a majority for government proposals as mere ‘placebo politics’ that would not enhance security.
AfD Faction to Decide on Union Migration Proposals
The AfD faction in the Bundestag is set to make a decision at its afternoon meeting regarding support for all CDU/CSU proposals on migration policy this week. It is anticipated that the AfD members will back the Union’s draft law, which includes proposals to limit migration in the Residence Act, according to AfD parliamentary manager Bernd Baumann.
However, it remains uncertain whether the AfD will endorse two additional CDU/CSU proposals aimed at tightening migration and bolstering internal security. Baumann stated that the AfD ultimately supports the Union’s proposals.
Friedrich Merz’s readiness to proceed with votes that may involve the AfD has ‘undermined the core of the firewall,’ Baumann noted, asserting that such collaboration is now ‘principally possible.’
Will There Be a Majority with AfD, BSW, and FDP?
The migration debate is centered around two proposals aimed at revitalizing asylum policies and tightening security laws, which the Union intends to present for a vote in the Bundestag on Wednesday. Additionally, the CDU/CSU plans to propose a so-called influx limitation law for a vote on Friday, potentially pushing it through with the support of the AfD, BSW, and FDP.
Sources from the ARD Hauptstadtstudio indicate that this collaboration could result in a narrow majority. If successful, it would mark the first instance of the Union and FDP passing legislation with the backing of the BSW and AfD. A separate proposal regarding border closures may also be successfully passed on Wednesday with similar support.
Merz has called on the SPD and Greens to cooperate, emphasizing the need for immediate action. He indicated that the Union’s plans might be realized with the assistance of AfD votes for the first time.
If this course is taken on Friday, it would set multiple precedents, as the largest opposition party would enact a law while Chancellor Scholz’s red-green minority government lacks a majority. Moreover, relying on the AfD’s votes for legislative action would break a longstanding taboo within the Federal Republic, given the party’s classification as right-wing extremist by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution.
For in-depth analyses, reports, and background information on the upcoming Bundestag election in February 2025, stay tuned for updates.
This topic was initially covered by ARD-Morgenmagazin on January 28, 2025, at 08:09 AM.