On January 29, 2025, Germany's Bundestag voted to tighten immigration policies, following a proposal from the opposition Union (CDU/CSU). The controversial measure received support from the far-right AfD party, marking a significant shift in parliamentary dynamics.
The approved five-point plan includes provisions for permanent border controls, the return of asylum seekers, and the detention of individuals required to leave the country. This decision comes in the wake of a tragic incident in Aschaffenburg, where a 28-year-old Afghan man allegedly killed a two-year-old child, exacerbating the urgency for stricter immigration measures.
For the first time, the AfD voted in favor of a proposal from the conservatives, alongside support from the Liberal party. The Social Democrats (SPD), Greens, and Left party opposed the measure. The plan emphasizes that individuals without valid entry documents, who do not fall under European freedom of movement, will be prohibited from entering Germany.
In a heated parliamentary debate, Chancellor Olaf Scholz criticized the CDU's approach, arguing that it undermines the core principles of asylum rights. Scholz condemned the collaboration with the AfD, asserting that history teaches the importance of protecting vulnerable populations from being turned away at borders.
The CDU's leader, Friedrich Merz, acknowledged the controversial nature of the vote, expressing regret over the AfD's support while stressing the need for effective policies to address illegal immigration. The CDU plans to introduce further legislation to limit immigration and family reunification for those granted subsidiary protection in Germany.