Protests against Merz: CDU plans controversial migration program in Berlin!
Protests against Merz: CDU plans controversial migration program in Berlin!
Berlin, Deutschland - On February 3, 2025, the delegates of the CDU in Berlin gathered for a decisive party congress with the focus on the takeover of the government under the leadership of Chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz. The party congress is not only shaped by political ambitions, but is also faced with extensive protests that are directed against the announced cooperation with the AfD. These protests, organized by Fridays for Future and the initiative together against the right, aim to question the policy of the CDU in an increasingly polarized society and are in a clear connection with the migration plans of Merz.
During his speech,Friedrich Merz presented the draft of a controversial “immediate program” that plans a turn in asylum policy and the withdrawal of measures by the traffic light government. A central point of its five-point plan are permanent border controls and rejections at the limits, a project that requires the votes in the Bundestag, in addition to increasing security, also the votes supported by the AfD. It is not surprising that this strategy triggers outrage among the opposition parties, churches and various social organizations. However, Merz himself emphasizes that there will be no cooperation with the AfD.
The "immediate program" of the CDU
The "immediate program" decided, which was adopted on the party conference, comprises a total of 15 points and is strongly revolving for economic relief. In addition to the turning point in asylum policy, it includes suggestions for reducing electricity tax and a reduction in network charges, which aims to relieve at least five cents per kilowatt hour. In addition, the program provides for a cancellation of various laws of the former traffic light coalition, including the heating and cannabis law. The CDU under Merz also plans to reduce the number of government officers by half and to introduce measures to reduce bureaucracy, such as the abolition of the bonus obligation and German supply chain regulation.
- planned measures on asylum policy:
- permanent border controls
- rejections at the limits
- unlimited exit arrest for criminals and endangers who are obliged to leave
Another point that came up at the party congress is the ambitious goal of an "influx limitation law", which had already failed in the Bundestag. However, Merz has announced that he wanted to pursue this topic, whereby he proposes further restrictions on family reunification for those entitled to subsidiary protection. While the CDU is fighting for these measures, it remains open to what extent it will make broad consent in society. Critics call for clear compliance with international law standards, especially with regard to the rights of asylum seekers.
controversy and challenges
In addition to the existing disputes, CDU politician Thorsten Frei has stimulated the abolition of individual law to asylum and suggested that it is instead introducing recording dents. These ideas encounter violent criticism because they could violate the principles of international refugee protection. According to Frei, the EU needs a fixed number of recording places to counter the excessive demands through migration flows.The plans presented, which are defended by Merz and his party colleagues, can be seen in the context of a further intensifying political climate. Opposition leaders and representatives of the Greens have already warned Merz about administrative weakness and a dangerous proximity to the AfD. In view of the violent protests and internal and external criticism, the CDU is faced with the challenge of creating its crashed reforms and at the same time securing social acceptance.
The greatest demonstration against the CDU policy with the motto "Uprising of the decent-we are the fire wall!" takes and the police estimate with around 160,000 participants. The organizers, on the other hand, speak of up to 250,000 demonstrators, which makes it clear that the political landscape is faced with profound changes.
For Friedrich Merz and his CDU, it will be crucial to find the balance between political ambitions and social reality in order not only to be successful in the Bundestag election, but also to ensure stable government. The implementation of the "immediate program" is critically observed at all levels.
For more information on the current developments and the protests, we invite you to the articles from rbb24 href = "https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/bundesagenlahl/cdu-sofrogramm-asylprogramm-asylpro-parteiag-100.html"> Tagesschau and to read.
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| Ort | Berlin, Deutschland |
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