The German Parliament on Friday rejected an immigration bill proposed by opposition leader Friedrich Merz, which aimed to tighten border control laws, DW reported.
The bill, known as the ‘Influx Limitation Law,’ was backed by Germany’s far-right parties but was narrowly defeated, with 349 lawmakers voting against it and 338 in favor. The proposed law called for permanent border controls with all neighboring countries and the immediate turning back of individuals at the border, even those seeking asylum.
This marks a significant setback for Merz, the leader of the Christian Democratic Union of Germany (CDU), who is challenging Chancellor Olaf Scholz in the upcoming snap elections scheduled for February 23.
Recent polls indicate that Merz has 30% public support, positioning him as the frontrunner for the chancellorship. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) follows in second place with 20% support, DW reported.
Rolf Mützenich, General Secretary of the Social Democratic Party of Germany, saw the bill’s rejection as a major blow to Merz’s political aspirations.
“Mr. Merz has failed twice today,” Mützenich remarked. “Failed to find the way to the AfD. Failed to gain the majority in the German Bundestag.”
AfD leader Alice Weidel also criticized Merz, stating that the parliament’s decision marked the “implosion of a conservative people’s party” and the “dismantling of Friedrich Merz as a candidate for chancellor.”
The upcoming elections were triggered after Chancellor Olaf Scholz lost a vote of confidence in December, leading to the collapse of his coalition government.
Meanwhile, American tech billionaire Elon Musk has voiced support for the AfD, calling it Germany’s “best hope.”
The AfD recently made history as the first far-right party to win a state election since the Nazi era. However, its strong anti-immigration stance has isolated it from mainstream parties, all of which have refused to collaborate with the group, CNN reported.