Germany’s parliament was thrown into disarray on Wednesday following a contentious vote that exposed the cracking of a long-standing political “firewall” against the far-right. A non-binding motion, calling for stricter border and asylum rules, was passed with unexpected support from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), sparking heated debates and accusations of political betrayal.
The motion, proposed by Conservative CDU leader Friedrich Merz, advocated for tougher immigration controls, including a “ban” on anyone entering the country without the proper documentation. Though the motion cannot compel action by the current minority government, it has ignited a firestorm, particularly due to AfD’s involvement in backing it. Merz defended his stance, stating that his proposals were “necessary” in light of public safety concerns, citing recent attacks allegedly committed by asylum-seekers. However, his comments were met with fierce criticism from Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who called the move an “unforgivable mistake”, emphasizing that “since the founding of the Federal Republic of Germany over 75 years ago, there has always been a clear consensus… we do not make common cause with the far right.”
The increasingly polarized debate on immigration, particularly in the wake of fatal incidents involving asylum-seekers, has become central to Germany’s upcoming election. While Merz insists that he is not seeking AfD’s support, his willingness to entertain their backing has shaken the political landscape. “I feel uncomfortable thinking about how the AfD fraction will cheer and their happy faces,” Merz admitted, acknowledging the political discomfort of aligning, even indirectly, with such a controversial faction.
This episode has shaken the political foundations of Germany, where the separation from far-right politics is deeply rooted, partly due to the nation’s responsibility toward its dark history. Just before the vote, the Bundestag held its annual commemoration for Holocaust victims, with President Frank-Walter Steinmeier underscoring the importance of remembering Nazi crimes. Yet, the AfD has been vocal in criticizing Germany’s “memory culture,” calling for a broader interpretation of the country’s history. This stark contradiction highlights the tension between the AfD’s rhetoric and the broader German political consensus.
Merz’s decision to reach out to the AfD, despite his previous insistence on maintaining a distance, has surprised many. The CDU leader had long upheld the “firewall”—a firm policy of not cooperating with far-right parties. Now, however, his increasingly hardline stance on migration seems to be a calculated move to win back voters who may be drawn to the AfD’s radical positions. Yet, in doing so, Merz risks alienating the centrist voters who were key to his party’s historical success, and who now may view him as abandoning the pragmatic legacy of former Chancellor Angela Merkel.
The political gamble could backfire, as Merz’s increasing radicalization on immigration issues signals a clear break from the more moderate, welcoming approach of Merkel’s era. In fact, the motion’s passage has been seen by critics as a sign that Merz is prepared to make compromises with the AfD—a far cry from the principles upheld by his predecessors. While the motions are symbolic for now, they have sent a clear message to voters about Merz’s priorities and the direction he is willing to take Germany’s political future.
In the aftermath of the vote, the AfD’s jubilant reaction—complete with cheers in parliament—underscores the significance of this shift. The once-untouchable firewall against the far-right is now undeniably weakened, leaving many to question whether this marks the beginning of a broader, more lasting change in Germany’s political landscape.
