THE AFRICAN COURIER. Reporting Africa and its Diaspora! The African Courier is an international magazine published in Germany to report on Africa and the Diaspora African experience. The first issue of the bimonthly magazine appeared on the newsstands on 15 February 1998. The African Courier is a communication forum for European-African political, economic and cultural exchanges, and a voice for Africa in Europe.
Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and chancellor candidate, has introduced a five-point plan aimed at tightening migration policies. His proposals include permanent border controls and the swift deportation of individuals attempting to enter Germany without valid documentation.
However, the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Greens have raised legal concerns, arguing that Merz’s measures conflict with both the German Basic Law and European treaties. Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) has dismissed the proposals as unconstitutional, emphasizing that migration policies must adhere to national and EU legal frameworks.
Merz intends to submit two motions and a bill incorporating his proposals to the Bundestag this week. While he insists that his plan targets all parliamentary groups, particularly the SPD, Greens and Free Democratic Party (FDP), the possibility of support from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has sparked controversy.
In Germany’s political landscape, seeking legislative backing from the AfD breaks a long-standing taboo. Scholz underscored the need for democratic parties to maintain a clear separation from the far-right, stating, “There must be no cooperation with extreme right-wing parties in Germany.” Similarly, Robert Habeck, the Greens’ chancellor candidate, called for cross-party collaboration while warning against moves that could legitimize right-wing radicalism.
Despite the criticism, Merz has found an ally in FDP leader Christian Lindner, who downplayed concerns over AfD support, arguing that policy decisions should not be dictated by how rival parties vote.
The Bundestag will decide on the CDU/CSU’s proposals on Wednesday. Analysts suggest that, in addition to CDU/CSU support, the AfD, the newly formed BSW, the FDP and some independent MPs may also back the motion.
Legal experts remain divided on the feasibility of Merz’s plan. Some argue that it violates EU asylum regulations, while others maintain that Germany has the right to enforce stricter border controls.
The proposals come amid heightened public debate following a fatal knife attack in Aschaffenburg, where a two-year-old boy and a man were killed, and two others were seriously injured. The suspect, a 28-year-old Afghan national facing deportation, had previously been treated in a psychiatric facility and had reportedly expressed willingness to leave Germany voluntarily. Merz has linked the tragedy to broader concerns about the country’s asylum policies over the past decade.
As the 23 February federal election approaches, migration policy has become a defining issue. A recent Forsa poll indicates a decline in CDU support, dropping three points to 28%, while the SPD and AfD have gained traction, rising to 17% and 21%, respectively. These shifts suggest that Merz’s proposals—and the debate surrounding potential AfD collaboration—are shaping voter sentiment in complex ways.
Adira Kallo
