Uncertainty Surrounds Friedrich Merz's Five-Point Migration Plan in Bundestag Vote

Wed 29th Jan, 2025

The leader of the Alternative for Germany (AfD), Tino Chrupalla, has confirmed that his party intends to support only one of the two resolutions proposed by the Union regarding migration policy. Chrupalla stated that the AfD members will back the Union's five-point plan aimed at tightening migration laws during a vote scheduled for later today. However, the AfD will reject the second resolution focused on internal security, citing concerns that it may infringe upon the fundamental rights of German citizens.

The Union's five-point plan, put forward by the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Christian Social Union (CSU), calls for permanent border controls with neighboring countries and the unconditional rejection of all attempts at illegal entry, including those by asylum seekers. The plan stipulates that individuals who are subject to a deportation order should be placed in immediate detention. Additionally, the Federal Police would be granted the authority to request detention orders for deportation or exit custody.

The second resolution from the Union advocates for a policy shift regarding internal security. It includes 27 proposals aimed at enhancing the powers of security agencies, such as allowing the storage of IP addresses for three months and increasing the use of facial recognition technology.

The Bundestag is set to decide on these proposals through a named vote later in the day. While these resolutions are not legally binding, it remains uncertain whether the five-point plan will secure a majority, despite the anticipated support from the AfD. The Sahra Wagenknecht coalition has announced its intention to abstain from voting on the proposal.

Friedrich Merz, the Union's candidate for Chancellor, has indicated he would accept the possibility of forming a majority for the proposals with the assistance of the AfD, stating it does not matter to him who supports the Union's initiatives. This stance has drawn sharp criticism from other political factions. Representatives from the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Greens accused Merz of violating his previous commitment not to collaborate with the AfD, effectively dismantling the barrier between their parties. Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck has cautioned Merz against aligning with the AfD.

Merz has consistently rejected accusations of collaborating with the AfD and has ruled out any coalition with the party, which has elements associated with the far-right. However, SPD Bundestag member Katja Mast characterized Merz's actions as destructive and labeled his approach as coercive. She expressed concern that it appeared Merz was laying the groundwork for systematic collaboration with the AfD.

Meanwhile, the Free Democratic Party (FDP) announced plans to introduce its own proposal, aimed at implementing a genuine shift in migration policy. FDP parliamentary leader Christian Dürr stated that their proposal would extend beyond the Union's suggestions, including linking development aid to return agreements and the immediate detention of individuals subject to deportation orders. Dürr criticized the former coalition partners, SPD and the Greens, for their refusal to impose order and control over migration, asserting that their inaction ultimately benefits the AfD.

The FDP's proposal also calls for a revision of EU laws and a significant strengthening of the EU's external border protection. Furthermore, the Bundestag will be urged to demand the dismissal of Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser from the SPD, noting that her announced model for border rejections has yet to be realized. Since her announcement on September 10, 2024, only one deportation flight to Afghanistan has been successfully carried out, with no further flights following.


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