On January 31, 2025, the Bundestag, Germany's lower house of parliament, voted against a proposed immigration policy reform by a margin of 350 to 338 votes. The bill, backed by conservative opposition leader Friedrich Merz, sought to tighten immigration regulations, including restrictions on family reunification. This defeat marks a significant setback for Merz, who has faced criticism for his reliance on support from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
The proposal's failure also highlights the ongoing tensions within German politics regarding immigration. Despite the defeat, Merz expressed confidence in his party's position ahead of the upcoming national elections scheduled for February 23, 2025.
In a separate development, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that tariffs would be imposed on Canada, Mexico, and China starting February 1, 2025. The tariffs include a 25% duty on goods from Canada and Mexico, and a 10% tariff on Chinese imports. The White House stated that these measures are a response to the countries' failure to control the flow of illegal fentanyl into the United States and manage illegal immigration.
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt confirmed the implementation of these tariffs, emphasizing the need for stronger action against the perceived influx of fentanyl, which has been linked to numerous American fatalities. The announcement has generated concern in both Canada and Mexico, with leaders from both countries preparing for potential repercussions.