In Germany, the Christian Democratic Union and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) have crossed a longstanding boundary by aligning their votes in the Bundestag to support a non-binding motion aimed at tightening migration policy. This collaboration marks a pivotal moment, as the motion concerning asylum conditions was narrowly approved on Wednesday with a margin of just three votes: 348 in favor, 345 against, and 10 abstentions. The proposed legislation advocates for the immediate deportation of any foreign national, including asylum seekers, who lacks valid entry documentation. This issue has become a focal point in German media discourse, particularly following a tragic knife attack in Aschaffenburg on January 22, which resulted in the deaths of two individuals, including a Moroccan child. The perpetrator, an Afghan national whose asylum application had been denied in December, was subsequently detained and placed in a psychiatric facility for mental health evaluation. ?? En Allemagne, la droite (CDU) et l'extrême droite (AfD) ont brisé un tabou en s'alliant pour faire passer une loi qui restreint fortement l'immigration. #JT20h pic.twitter.com/B229P8l6jB — Le20h-France Télévisions (@le20hfrancetele) January 29, 2025 This political maneuver occurs as Germany approaches its parliamentary elections, slated for February 23. The CDU, currently the leading conservative opposition party according to polls, authored the motion. Historically, the CDU has dismissed the notion of forming a governmental coalition with the far right; however, to secure the passage of this motion, they required the AfD's backing. Prior to the vote, Social Democrat Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned the CDU's cooperation with the AfD as «unforgivable». Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock of the Greens criticized the CDU leader, accusing them of attempting to «break European law and build a fence around Germany». Despite holding 30% of voter support in the upcoming parliamentary elections, the CDU is unlikely to achieve an outright majority. Should they emerge victorious, the party would need to form a coalition to govern effectively.
