German Opposition Leader Friedrich Merz Pushes for Border Controls Amid Migration Debate

BERLIN – Opposition leader Friedrich Merz, the frontrunner in Germany’s upcoming snap election, announced plans on Monday to propose a law restoring permanent border controls, even if it requires support from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.

Merz’s move to prioritize migration in his campaign comes amid heightened public concern following a fatal stabbing allegedly committed by a rejected Afghan asylum seeker. The suspect, who has a history of violent behavior and was undergoing psychiatric treatment, has intensified debates on security and immigration in Germany.

Speaking at the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) headquarters, Merz criticized Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democrats and their Green coalition partners for failing to address deportations. “There are 40,000 asylum applicants who need to be deported,” he said, emphasizing his pledge to restore border controls.

The proposed legislation has sparked controversy, with critics warning that cooperation with the AfD could erode the political mainstream’s stance against the far-right. Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock dismissed Merz’s proposal as “anti-European” and unfeasible, warning it could undermine the EU’s Schengen zone.

Founded over a decade ago, the AfD has shifted focus toward nativist and anti-immigration rhetoric, gaining traction in regional elections and polling second nationally. While Merz aims to recapture conservative voters from the AfD, his strategy risks further polarizing German politics.

With the February 23 election approaching, Merz’s border control plan highlights the growing significance of migration in shaping Germany’s political landscape.