The German Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has broken ranks with the political consensus against cooperating with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). On Wednesday in the Bundestag, the CDU relied on AfD votes to pass a motion targeting asylum seekers and migrants’ rights. The move sparked outrage from mainstream and left-wing parties, while AfD representatives expressed glee, celebrating the event as a “historic” day and a “victory for democracy.”
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The CDU motion proposes permanent border controls and harsher measures against migrants and asylum seekers, including detention for those facing deportation. Though non-binding, the motion signals the party’s immigration agenda ahead of next month’s elections. Critics, including migrant rights groups, have warned that the proposal contradict a host of international rules and rights.
While Social Democratic Party (SPD) and Green leaders condemned CDU head Friedrich Merz for accepting support from the AfD, their own policies have done little to counter anti-migrant rhetoric. Unable to find a response to the growing socio-economic concerns in their neoliberal toolbox, bowing to right-wing pressure, the collapsed “traffic light” coalition (consisting of the SPD, Greens, and the liberal Free Democratic Party) accepted the idea that migrants are to blame for problems faced by the population. This trend is not unique to Germany—centrist parties across Europe have moved towards the right in a (failed) attempt to stop the growth of far-right movements.
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As a result, the mainstream backlash against the CDU focused more on its cooperation with the AfD and the violation of the political firewall against the far-right than on the content of the motion itself. Meanwhile, left-wing parties like Die Linke and the Communist Party (DKP) criticized the CDU’s anti-migrant stance, warning that scapegoating asylum seekers would do nothing to address social grievances.
Wednesday’s motion might be non-binding, but its passage sends a clear warning to the SPD and other liberal parties. If elected, the CDU is unlikely to lose time securing their backing in the Bundestag and will instead turn to Alice Weidel’s far-right party when more convenient—even if it stops short of forming an official coalition. What begins as alignment on migration policy is almost certain to extend into other areas, posing threats to labor and other social rights.
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Reacting to Wednesday’s events, Die Linke criticized Merz’s actions, saying that he had “given the far-right party influence over legislation and opened the door to future coalitions with them.” The party warned that the CDU’s move should not be dismissed as an “accidental majority.” “Fascists never stop being fascists—history has taught us that you don’t make pacts with them,” Die Linke wrote.
Similarly, DKP leader Patrik Köbele cautioned that the policies promoted by the CDU and AfD would have consequences far beyond immigration. “New structures will be created—and not just against migrants,” Köbele said. “They will be used to repress all those in this country who refuse to silently accept a path of war and crisis. What we are witnessing is another step in the reactionary and militaristic restructuring of the state.”
Parliamentarians are set to vote on another CDU motion on migration on January 31. Unlike the previous proposal, this one could have binding consequences if Merz becomes Chancellor. If the AfD once again secures the passing of the bill, it could raise the stakes of February’s election even higher.
