Friedrich Merz, the frontrunner to become Germany's chancellor, attempted to capitalize on rising anti-immigration sentiment by pushing for stricter migration policies, aligning with the far-right AfD. This move, seen as a gamble to energize his base, backfired spectacularly, alienating potential coalition partners and drawing criticism from within his own party.
For weeks, Friedrich Merz appeared to be cruising towards his life-long dream of becoming Germany ’s chancellor by focusing on a pro-business pitch to revive Europe’s largest economy. Then he decided to play with fire. After an Afghan asylum seeker fatally stabbed a toddler and an adult in Bavaria last month, the leader of the Christian Democrats launched a legislative offensive on migration.
Economists have saluted the intentions but criticised the plan for being largely unfunded and relying on optimistic growth targets. This would mean reforming the debt brake, which requires a two-thirds majority in parliament. Such a reform would be more difficult with a fragmented Bundestag.
GERMANY ELECTION MIGRATION AFD FRITZ MERZ
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