Introduction
Germany has been thrust into one of its most significant political crises in recent history following a controversial collaboration between the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), led by Friedrich Merz, and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). The two parties joined forces to pass a motion aimed at tightening immigration and asylum laws, shattering a long-standing political taboo in German politics: no cooperation with the AfD.
The motion, passed on January 29, 2025, has triggered fierce backlash from across the political spectrum, civil society, and international observers. It has fractured the CDU internally, sparked nationwide protests, and raised alarm about the normalization of far-right influence in Germany’s democratic institutions.
This development marks a profound shift in German politics, with far-reaching implications not just for Germany, but for the entire European Union.
Key Takeaways
- Germany’s parliament passed an immigration motion with the support of both the CDU and the far-right AfD, marking the first time the AfD has played a decisive role in passing legislation.
- Former Chancellor Angela Merkel publicly condemned the move, breaking her political silence to warn against legitimizing the AfD.
- Current Chancellor Olaf Scholz criticized CDU leader Friedrich Merz, calling the collaboration “an unforgivable mistake” that threatens German democracy.
- Public outrage has erupted, with mass protests across major cities and prominent figures, including Holocaust survivors, voicing deep concern.
- The event has fractured the CDU, with internal divisions emerging over whether the party should ever align with the far-right again.
What Exactly Happened?
The Bundestag (Germany’s federal parliament) voted on a motion focused on tightening asylum rules and increasing deportations of undocumented migrants. While the motion itself was not legally binding, it carried significant political weight as a symbol of Germany’s shifting immigration stance.
🚨 The critical moment:
- The CDU, Germany’s traditional center-right party, voted in favor of the motion.
- The AfD also supported the motion, and because of their combined votes, the motion passed.
- This was the first time in German history that the AfD’s votes helped pass legislation in the Bundestag.
The issue isn’t just the content of the motion—it’s the fact that a mainstream party collaborated with the AfD, breaking a political “firewall” that had been in place since the AfD’s rise in the 2010s.
Why Is This Such a Big Deal?
Since its founding in 2013, the AfD has been associated with far-right extremism, anti-immigrant rhetoric, and ties to neo-Nazi groups.
🇩🇪 The “firewall” policy:
Germany’s mainstream parties—CDU, SPD, Greens, and others—had a gentleman’s agreement never to work with the AfD, in order to prevent the normalization of far-right ideologies in democratic institutions.
⚠️ Breaking this firewall is seen as dangerous because:
- It legitimizes the AfD as a “normal” political party, rather than a far-right fringe movement.
- It risks shifting Germany’s political center further to the right, emboldening extremist rhetoric.
- It undermines Germany’s post-WWII commitment to fighting fascism, a cornerstone of its modern identity.
Merkel’s Rare Public Rebuke
Former Chancellor Angela Merkel, who led Germany from 2005 to 2021, made a rare public intervention to condemn Friedrich Merz’s actions.
🗣️ Merkel stated:
“The firewall against the far-right must not be compromised. Germany’s history teaches us the dangers of normalizing extremist ideologies within democratic systems.”
Merkel’s rebuke is significant because she rarely comments on political events since leaving office, underscoring how serious she believes this situation to be.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Strong Reaction
Current Chancellor Olaf Scholz of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) was equally critical, accusing Merz of:
- “Betraying democratic principles”
- “Undermining the fight against extremism”
- “Jeopardizing Germany’s international reputation”
Scholz warned that the CDU-AfD collaboration could embolden far-right movements across Europe, at a time when democracies are under increasing strain from populist forces.
The AfD’s Victory: A “Historic Day”
While mainstream politicians condemned the collaboration, AfD leaders celebrated the vote as a major victory.
💬 AfD co-leader Alice Weidel declared:
“This is a historic day for Germany. The CDU has finally recognized that our ideas are part of the national conversation.”
The AfD’s celebration highlights the danger of legitimization—even if the CDU didn’t intend to align ideologically, the AfD can now claim political credibility, which could boost their support in future elections.
Public Backlash: Protests Erupt Across Germany
The political fallout has spilled into the streets, with massive protests erupting in cities like Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich.
📢 Demonstrators are chanting:
- “No cooperation with fascists!”
- “Never again is now!”
- “Defend democracy!”
The protests are being led by youth movements, civil rights organizations, and anti-fascist groups, with broad support from the public.
Holocaust Survivor’s Protest: A Powerful Symbol
Perhaps the most poignant response came from 99-year-old Holocaust survivor Albrecht Weinberg, who announced that he would return his Federal Order of Merit, Germany’s highest civilian honor, in protest of the CDU-AfD collaboration.
🗣️ Weinberg said:
“I lived through 1933. I know what happens when you allow fascists to enter the halls of power. This is how it starts.”
His words are a stark reminder of Germany’s dark past—and why many believe the firewall against the far right must remain intact.
Internal Crisis Within the CDU
The CDU itself is now deeply divided over the vote.
🚨 Some party members have publicly criticized Merz, accusing him of:
- “Flirting with extremism”
- “Destroying the party’s moral authority”
- “Putting short-term political gains above democratic values”
📈 CDU Youth Wing Condemnation:
Young CDU members, who often lean more progressive, have been particularly vocal, with some even resigning from the party in protest.
This internal conflict threatens to fracture the CDU, potentially weakening it ahead of upcoming elections.
Could This Change Germany Forever?
The big question now is: What happens next?
1️⃣ Will the CDU-AfD cooperation become a new political norm?
- If so, this could shift German politics permanently to the right, making the AfD a regular player in policymaking.
2️⃣ Will other parties follow suit?
- Some fear that if the CDU can get away with this, other parties might also break the firewall, further mainstreaming far-right influence.
3️⃣ Could this backfire on the CDU?
- The backlash could damage the CDU’s reputation, causing voters to abandon the party in favor of more progressive alternatives.
European Implications
This crisis isn’t just about Germany. The entire European Union is watching closely, as far-right parties gain ground across Europe—in France, Italy, Hungary, and beyond.
If Germany, Europe’s largest democracy, begins to normalize far-right alliances, it could inspire similar movements across the continent, weakening the EU’s democratic foundations.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment for German Democracy
The CDU’s decision to align with the AfD marks a turning point in German politics. It’s more than just a vote—it’s a test of Germany’s commitment to the principles that have guided it since the end of World War II: democracy, human rights, and the rejection of extremism.
The world is watching.
Germany’s democracy is being tested.
And the outcome will shape the future—not just for Germany, but for Europe as a whole.
#Germany #CDU #AfD #ImmigrationPolicy #DemocracyUnderThreat
Source:
The Guardian – Germany’s Parliament Vote Live Updates
