On January 29, 2025, a significant political event unfolded in the German Bundestag, marking a potential turning point in post-war German politics. For the first time in the history of the Federal Republic of Germany, a far-right political party, Alternative for Germany (AfD), assisted a centrist party in forming a majority. The session was abruptly interrupted following heated debates that included shouts and insults.
The controversial vote, which passed with a narrow margin of 348 votes in favor and 345 against, approved a resolution calling for increased passport controls at Germany's external borders and stricter measures against illegal immigration. This resolution, while declarative, has sparked intense reactions, particularly from the Left Party, which called for citizens to rise against what they perceive as a dangerous shift in political alliances.
The session began with a government statement from Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who emphasized the values of humanity and justice inherent in German society. He criticized the conservative bloc for its collaboration with the AfD, which he described as a departure from previously established norms of political conduct.
Chancellor Scholz pointed out that Germany has successfully deported illegal migrants to Afghanistan, highlighting the complexities of negotiating with the Taliban. He defended existing laws as adequate for maintaining public safety without the need for new legislation.
In a stark contrast, Friedrich Merz, the leader of the opposition and head of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), expressed his concerns over recent violent incidents involving migrants, which he attributed to a failure in migration policy. The CDU's decision to collaborate with the AfD for this vote has raised alarms among other political factions, leading to a deep division within the Bundestag.
The aftermath of the vote saw AfD members applauding while CDU representatives appeared contemplative, signaling a shift in the political landscape of Germany. The Left Party's calls for public resistance reflect growing tensions as the political climate evolves.