- Thousands of people protested against a proposed immigration law in Berlin.
- CDU leader Friedrich Merz backed the bill with the far-right AfD’s support.
- Protesters carried banners condemning Merz and AfD cooperation.
- The bill failed to pass in the Bundestag after Merz’s push.
- Similar protests occurred in Hamburg, Stuttgart, and Leipzig.
Berlin, Germany – On Sunday, February 2, 2025, a massive protest erupted in Berlin against a proposed immigration law backed by Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), in cooperation with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). The proposed bill aimed to tighten immigration policies, including limiting family reunifications for certain refugees and increasing border restrictions. The protest, held at the Brandenburg Gate near the Bundestag, drew around 160,000 people, according to Berlin police.
The protesters carried signs with messages like “We are the firewall, no cooperation with the AfD” and “Merz, go home, shame on you!” These slogans were a direct response to Merz’s controversial collaboration with the AfD, breaking a long-standing political taboo in Germany that had kept far-right parties isolated from mainstream politics.
The Immigration Bill and Its Implications
The immigration bill, backed by Merz, aimed to tighten immigration rules due to public concerns over security. Merz pointed to violent incidents involving immigrants as the reason for the law. He believed the bill was necessary to address growing fears and ensure safety. However, mainstream political parties, including Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s SPD and the Greens, strongly opposed it.
They argued that the bill would not have stopped the attacks Merz mentioned. Furthermore, they worried it could breach EU laws that protect refugees. The opposition believed the bill was too harsh and unnecessary. They questioned the effectiveness of the proposed measures.
The bill also suggested major changes to Germany’s immigration system. It focused on limiting family reunifications for some refugees and tightening border controls. Many Germans were skeptical of these changes. A recent poll showed that while most supported stronger immigration rules, many disagreed with Merz’s specific proposals.
Protests Across Germany
In addition to the protests in Berlin, similar demonstrations took place in several other German cities, including Hamburg, Stuttgart, and Leipzig. Thousands gathered to express their opposition to the bill and the CDU’s cooperation with the far-right AfD. The protesters voiced concerns that the bill would endanger Germany’s democratic values and erode the country’s tradition of welcoming refugees and immigrants.
The protests in Berlin were particularly large, with many participants expressing fears that the CDU’s alliance with the AfD marked a dangerous shift in Germany’s political landscape. Many criticized Merz for using the AfD’s support to push through the bill, arguing that it would embolden far-right extremism and undermine the country’s efforts to maintain a fair and inclusive immigration policy.
Rejection in the Bundestag
Merz’s push to pass the immigration bill in the Bundestag faced significant setbacks. On Friday, February 1, 2025, the bill was rejected by the lower house of parliament. Merz, who had presented the bill as a crucial measure to protect German society, failed to secure the necessary majority, with some members of his own party, the CDU/CSU, refusing to support it. The vote’s outcome was a blow to Merz’s leadership, casting doubt on his ability to maintain party unity ahead of the upcoming national elections on February 23.
The failure to pass the bill also highlighted the deep divisions within the CDU/CSU. Some party members had warned Merz that cooperating with the AfD could tarnish the CDU’s reputation and alienate voters. These internal disagreements ultimately led to the bill’s failure, further complicating the CDU’s position ahead of the election.
Political Ramifications and Public Opinion
The defeat of the immigration bill in the Bundestag has important consequences for German politics. The CDU’s cooperation with the AfD, a far-right party under surveillance for extremist views, has raised concerns about a shift toward more extreme politics. Merz’s attempt to align with the AfD has faced criticism from within his own party and political opponents.
Public opinion on immigration remains divided. A recent poll showed that two-thirds of Germans supported stricter immigration rules. However, many didn’t back the specific measures in Merz’s bill. Critics argue the law targets vulnerable refugees and immigrants and doesn’t tackle the real issues of violence and extremism. For many, the bill’s defeat is a sign that Germany is resisting the far-right.
Massive protests in Berlin and across Germany show the growing political divide. With the February 23 elections ahead, immigration will likely remain a key issue. The failure of the immigration bill may impact the political future of Friedrich Merz and the CDU. As Germany faces the challenges of immigration and national security, the country’s political direction remains unclear.
The outcome of this debate will shape Germany’s political future. It will also affect the country’s role in Europe. The immigration issue will continue to challenge German politics, with the far-right playing a significant role. The defeat of the bill marks a crucial moment in the ongoing discussion of immigration in Germany.