Christian Democrats (CDU) leader Friedrich Mercs has expressed his determination to submit a bill to the Bundestag for voting, even if its approval requires the right -wing Eurosceptic Party’s “Alternative to Germany” (AfD), thus breaking in German politics a long -term taboo that prevented any cooperation with AfD.
It has triggered a storm in the German political circles ahead of the Bundestag’s early elections on February 23, after which the CDU and their Bavarian sister’s Christian Social Union (CSU) candidate Mercs are likely to become the next Chancellor.
On Friday, Mercca’s office arrived on Friday, the former Chancellor Olaf Merca, represented by the Social Democrats (SPD) and their coalition partners, the Greens, as well as representatives of the Liberal Democratic Party (FDP), who has left the coalition -led coalition.
The Bundestag sitting has been postponed several times. The debate on the bill submitted by the CDU/CSU was expected to begin at 10.30 (at 11:30 am Latvian time), but they were postponed indefinitely.
The FDP initially announced that the bill would be supported, but on Friday changed its position and proposed to refer it to the commission for consideration. The SPD has made it possible to support this proposal.
“The FDP is not interested in postponing the vote. We are interested in a solution to the problem that can be found in a political center without AfD, ”said FDP leader and former Finance Minister Christian Lindner in the Bundestag.
Rolf Micenih, chairman of the SPD faction, admitted what it would be a “right step”, but stated that it must agree with at least either the Greens or the CDU/CSU to secure the majority.
Mercs has earned a loud criticism of Wednesday’s vote, which confirmed the legally non -binding CDU/CSU proposal to restrict immigration.
Unlike a proposal by the Bundestag with a tiny majority – 348 against 345 – it was approved on Wednesday, on Friday to vote for a comprehensive immigration reform.
The Law on Restrictions on Immigration is, inter alia, to stop the unification of immigrant families who stay in Germany based on limited defense status, as well as increase police powers to reject illegal immigrants at the border, even if they want to request asylum.
AfD has suggested that it is ready to vote on the CDU/CSU initiative on Friday, which has also attracted the support of the pro -Russian left -wing extremist party, “The Union of Saar Wagenkneht,” (BSW).
Mercs demanded a radical change in immigration policy in response to the murder this month by a rejected Afghan asylum seeker that had long been expelled from Germany.
After repeated violent crimes committed by immigrants, immigration restriction has become one of the most important issues in the pre -election campaign.
Surveys show that AFD is supported by more than 20% of Germans and is second to CDU/CSU, which is ready to vote for about 30% of voters.
This in political istiblishment has caused the worry that the so -called firewall could be collapsed, which has prevented any cooperation with AfD so far in traditional parties.
What are the potential long-term consequences of the CDU/CSU perhaps collaborating with the AfD for German democratic values and institutions?
Table of Contents
- 1. What are the potential long-term consequences of the CDU/CSU perhaps collaborating with the AfD for German democratic values and institutions?
- 2. Uncertain Future: An Interview with Professor Margot Schmidt on the CDU/CSU Immigration Bill
- 3. Archyde:Professor Schmidt, thank you for joining us. This bill has sparked a firestorm in Germany. What are the most meaningful concerns raised by this development?
- 4. Archyde: Many are worried about the potential for AfD influence on policy. How might their support shape the immigration bill?
- 5. Archyde: Merz argues that the current immigration system is broken and requires radical change. Is there merit to this argument?
- 6. Archyde: Given the history of the afd and their rhetoric, what could be the long-term consequences of this potential cooperation for German democracy?
- 7. Archyde: What should the German people do in response to this development?
Uncertain Future: An Interview with Professor Margot Schmidt on the CDU/CSU Immigration Bill
The German political landscape is in turmoil as CDU/CSU leader Friedrich Merz pushes for a controversial immigration bill,potentially requiring support from the far-right AfD party.Professor Margot Schmidt, a political analyst at the Free University of Berlin, spoke to Archyde about the implications of this unprecedented move.
Archyde:Professor Schmidt, thank you for joining us. This bill has sparked a firestorm in Germany. What are the most meaningful concerns raised by this development?
Professor Schmidt: This bill represents a dramatic shift in German politics. The longstanding taboo against cooperating with the AfD is being broken, potentially normalizing their extreme views. This raises serious questions about democratic values and the future of political discourse in Germany.
Archyde: Many are worried about the potential for AfD influence on policy. How might their support shape the immigration bill?
Professor Schmidt: The AfD has an extremely hardline stance on immigration.Their support coudl push the bill towards even stricter measures, potentially undermining Germany’s commitments to international asylum law. It could also embolden right-wing extremist groups and further polarize German society.
Archyde: Merz argues that the current immigration system is broken and requires radical change. Is there merit to this argument?
Professor Schmidt: While there are certainly challenges within Germany’s asylum system, it’s crucial to address them through evidence-based solutions and within the framework of the law. Instead of resorting to panic-driven policies, a thorough reform approach involving all political parties is necessary.
Archyde: Given the history of the afd and their rhetoric, what could be the long-term consequences of this potential cooperation for German democracy?
Professor Schmidt: This is a critical juncture for Germany. Normalizing cooperation with a far-right party fueled by anti-immigrant and xenophobic sentiments could erode democratic norms and institutions.It sets a dangerous precedent for the future and could embolden extremist groups across Europe.
Archyde: What should the German people do in response to this development?
professor Schmidt:** This is a time for vigilance and active citizenship.People should engage in informed debate, hold their elected representatives accountable, and defend the democratic values that are at stake. It’s crucial to ensure that extremist voices do not become the voice of Germany.