Social Democrat Scholz warns that Merz's proposal for permanent border controls would violate EU law, damage the economy, and threaten stability - Anadolu Ajansı

The conservative CDU/CSU party is hardening its stance on irregular immigration. Others in Europe have already paved the way.

On Wednesday, with the support of the Alternative for Germany, the Christian Democrats passed a motion on migration policy through the Bundestag which abrogates fundamental constitutional principles and European law.

Context: Brussels is “reviewing” its probes into tech groups including Apple, Meta and Google, launched under its landmark digital markets rules. Trump said he considered fines imposed by the EU on US tech companies operating there as a “form of taxation”, and has vowed to retaliate.

Friedrich Merz, Germany's opposition leader, views a second Trump presidency as a chance for EU unity. As he seeks to become Germany's chancellor, Merz emphasizes Europe's need for collective strength and sees potential in Trump's predictable policies for EU-U.

Left Party lawmaker Clara Bünger says immigration data shows that there is no national emergency in Germany. She pointed out that the figures show refugees make up just 4% of the population, and said some of those people have been in the country for decades.

Friedrich Merz, the conservative frontrunner to replace Chancellor Olaf Scholz after Germany's upcoming elections, is calling on the European Union to present a united front in response to US President-elect Donald Trump.

The EPP’s messaging is clear that the CDU will return in the driver’s seat, if Merz becomes Germany's chancellor.

Despite the pushback, a recent poll published by the German tabloid 'Bild' indicates that the majority of Germans might be in favour of his stringent measures on illegal immigration. In an INSA-conducted survey, an overwhelming two-thirds majority reportedly backed Merz's strict stance on immigration policy.

R ARELY HAS the Bundestag known such drama. On January 29th, to scenes of uproar in Germany’s parliament, a tiny majority of mps approved a radical five-point plan to curb irreg

Friedrich Merz, the frontrunner to become chancellor in February's election, caused an uproar by agreeing to work with the far-right AfD on immigration measures.