Germany’s political landscape is shifting after the center-right CDU/CSU alliance secured 28.5% of the vote in the latest federal election. Campaigning heavily on tackling irregular migration and boosting deportations, party leader Friedrich Merz is now positioning himself as the likely next chancellor.
Read More: Europe’s Deadly Border Drama Returns
A Hardline Migration Stance
Merz reaffirmed his commitment to strict border controls aimed at reducing the flow of asylum seekers into Germany. He argued that such measures could be “legal” under EU law if implemented temporarily, though this claim remains controversial among legal experts.
Germany shares borders with nine countries — all part of the Schengen visa-free zone — including non-EU member Switzerland. Despite Schengen’s principle of open borders, Germany has maintained temporary controls on several frontiers:
- Since September 16, 2024: Borders with France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Denmark under a six-month order.
- Since October 16, 2023: Additional checks at borders with the Czech Republic, Poland, and Switzerland.
- Since 2015: Long-standing controls along the Austrian border.
“We don’t want to close our borders,” Merz told reporters. “But we must protect them better and regain control over who enters our country.”
Election Results: A Divided Parliament
While the CDU/CSU emerged as the largest bloc in the Bundestag, the vote marked a turning point. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) secured over 20% — the strongest showing for a far-right party since World War II.
Bundestag seat distribution:
- CDU/CSU: 208 seats
- AfD: 152 seats
- SPD (center-left): 120 seats
- Greens: 85 seats
- The Left Party: 64 seats
- FDP and BSW: Below the 5% threshold
Mainstream parties have long upheld a “firewall” policy, refusing to collaborate with the AfD due to its extremist positions. The domestic intelligence agency continues to monitor the AfD for suspected right-wing extremism — a label the party denies.
However, Merz has courted controversy by suggesting that he might pass stricter border legislation with AfD support if necessary. Although he later sought to place responsibility on the SPD and Greens, his remarks raised concerns that the CDU/CSU could undermine the postwar consensus against cooperation with the far right.
Migration at the Core of the Agenda
Migration remains a central priority for Merz, who hopes the EU will agree on a common asylum policy by 2026. At the same time, he insists that Germany cannot afford to wait for long-term negotiations.
Following a deadly knife attack in Aschaffenburg last year — committed by an Afghan national awaiting deportation — Merz introduced a five-point plan to strengthen border checks and limit irregular entries. His proposals include:
- A de facto entry ban for undocumented migrants, including asylum seekers.
- Expanded border surveillance and checks.
- Swift deportations of individuals whose asylum claims are rejected.
The plan faces serious legal challenges. Under EU law, border controls can only be imposed in response to a “serious threat to public order or internal security” and must be temporary. The Dublin III Regulation requires asylum seekers to have their claims processed in the first EU country they enter — meaning Germany is generally obliged to accept them before deciding whether to transfer them elsewhere.
Blocking entry outright could violate EU rules and strain relations with neighboring states. Austria, for example, has already refused to readmit rejected asylum seekers. Merz has also cited Article 72 of the EU Treaty, which allows border closures during national emergencies, but proving such an emergency is difficult given that existing controls have already reduced irregular arrivals.
Operational and Legal Obstacles
German police unions have expressed doubts about the feasibility of permanent border controls. They warn that such a move would require thousands of additional officers, as well as advanced technology like drones and automated license plate scanners — resources Germany currently lacks.
The outgoing SPD-led government has argued that enforcing current deportation laws is more effective than introducing additional entry bans. Critics say that pushing ahead despite legal and logistical challenges could encourage other EU states to bypass existing asylum rules, risking a breakdown of the Schengen system.
Coalition Talks Ahead
Merz aims to form a government by Easter, with Olaf Scholz serving as caretaker chancellor until then. He remains confident that the SPD can be persuaded to “take a common path” despite the party’s concerns over the legality of banning irregular entries.
While the SPD has also called for more deportations and tougher migration enforcement, it insists such measures must remain within humanitarian and legal boundaries. Merz’s willingness to align with AfD positions on border policy remains a sticking point in coalition negotiations.
Other Issues Overshadowed
The election was dominated by migration debates, leaving other pressing issues — economic stagnation, energy costs, and labor shortages — largely absent from public discussion. Germany remains in a prolonged economic slump, with GDP stuck at 2019 levels after two years of recession. Tight fiscal policies, weak foreign demand, and rising energy prices have all contributed to the slowdown.
The labor market faces acute shortages of skilled workers, exacerbated by demographic decline and shifting employment preferences. Productivity growth lags behind competitors due to outdated infrastructure, low investment, and limited innovation capacity.
Analysts warn that focusing political energy solely on border control will not address these underlying economic challenges. Without broader reforms — including targeted immigration of skilled labor, investment in infrastructure, and innovation-driven growth — Germany’s competitiveness will continue to erode.
Germany’s Crossroads
Friedrich Merz’s push for tougher border measures signals a significant shift in the country’s political priorities. His stance appeals to voters concerned about migration but risks deepening divisions both domestically and within the EU.
The coming months will determine whether Merz can balance his hardline migration policies with the economic and diplomatic realities facing Germany. With coalition talks underway and a fragile parliamentary majority at stake, his leadership will be tested on multiple fronts — from securing legal pathways for his migration agenda to steering the country out of economic stagnation.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who is Friedrich Merz?
Friedrich Merz is the leader of Germany’s center-right CDU/CSU bloc and the likely next chancellor following their recent election win.
What border policies is Merz proposing?
Merz advocates for stricter border controls to curb irregular migration, including temporary checks and potential entry bans for undocumented individuals.
Are Merz’s proposed border controls legal under EU law?
EU law allows temporary border checks only in response to a serious threat to public order or security. Many legal experts question whether Merz’s proposals meet this standard.
Which countries currently have border checks with Germany?
Germany maintains checks with France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, the Czech Republic, Poland, Switzerland, and Austria.
Why is migration such a key political issue in Germany?
Migration has become a central debate due to security concerns, public opinion shifts, and recent high-profile crimes involving migrants.
What was the outcome of the 2024 German federal election?
The CDU/CSU won 208 seats, the far-right AfD secured 152 seats, and the SPD came third with 120 seats.
Will Merz work with the far-right AfD to pass border laws?
Merz has hinted at the possibility but faced backlash for potentially undermining the long-standing political “firewall” against AfD cooperation.
Conclusion
Friedrich Merz’s election victory places migration policy at the heart of Germany’s political agenda, marking a decisive shift toward stricter border controls. While his proposals resonate with voters concerned about security and irregular migration, they face substantial legal, operational, and diplomatic challenges. Balancing these measures with the urgent need for economic revival, labor market reform, and international cooperation will be critical for Germany’s stability and global standing.
