Merz's political challenges following his controversial AfD collaboration

Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany's Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has recently faced significant political challenges following his controversial collaboration with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) to propose stricter immigration laws. Despite the ensuing protests and criticism, Merz appears to have maintained his standing in the polls as the country approaches the parliamentary elections on February 23, 2025.

Immigration Policy Controversy

In late January 2025, Merz broke a longstanding political taboo by aligning with the AfD to push for more stringent immigration measures. This move was met with widespread backlash, including mass protests across major German cities, where demonstrators accused Merz of undermining democratic values and flirting with extremist ideologies. Critics within his own party also expressed concern over the potential long-term implications of cooperating with the AfD.

Economic Focus and Policy Proposals

In response to the controversy, Merz has shifted his campaign's focus back to economic issues, emphasizing the need to revitalize Germany's economy. He advocates for tax cuts for individuals and businesses, reduction of bureaucratic hurdles, and increased investment in infrastructure. Merz has also signaled openness to reforming Germany's strict debt rules to facilitate higher defense spending, acknowledging the necessity to adapt fiscal policies to current economic challenges.

Public and Political Reactions

Despite the uproar over his immigration stance, recent polls indicate that Merz and the CDU maintain a lead over other parties, with approximately 30% support from the electorate. However, this lead is relatively modest, and the political landscape remains fluid. Chancellor Olaf Scholz of the Social Democrats has criticized Merz's policies, particularly on migration and economic management, leading to heated exchanges in the final parliamentary sessions before the election. citeturn0news19

Looking Ahead

As the election date approaches, Merz aims to steer the narrative towards his economic agenda, seeking to address concerns about Germany's competitiveness and economic stability. While the immigration policy gamble has introduced volatility into his campaign, Merz appears committed to presenting himself as a leader capable of implementing decisive economic reforms to bolster Germany's position in an increasingly complex global environment.