Who is Friedrich Merz, the leader with the toughest immigration plans who will become Germany's next chancellor?!
Germany's conservative opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU) appears to have won a landslide victory in Sunday's election. Friedrich Merz is set to become Germany's next chancellor. The ruling Social Democrats, led by Olaf Scholz, are seeing a sharp drop in support, while the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is on track for its strongest showing since World War II.
Elections amid European challenges
The election came as Europe faces multiple challenges, including relations with the Trump administration, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and concerns about continental security. These issues played a significant role in shaping voter sentiment.
Who is Friedrich Merz?
Friedrich Merz, who is likely to be Germany's next chancellor, has long-standing ties to the United States. He has visited the country over 100 times and has expressed admiration for former President Ronald Reagan.
Merz has worked at major firms, including BlackRock, amassing a considerable fortune. Critics argue he used political connections for business, while supporters say his corporate experience gives him valuable insight.
Merz was once seen as a rising star in the CDU, but lost to Angela Merkel in 2002. After leaving politics, he built a career in business before returning in 2022 as CDU leader. He has taken a tough stance on asylum seekers and has worked with the AfD on tighter border controls.
As uncertainty grows about U.S. support for Europe, Merz advocates for stronger European security. He has even suggested that Germany should discuss nuclear defense with France and the United Kingdom.
"Germany must take responsibility in Europe," Merz declared, positioning himself as a leader prepared to lead the country in uncertain times.
Germany's immigration policies up for review
The election results reflect voters' dissatisfaction with the outgoing government's handling of the economy and immigration, with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) finishing second.
Stronger immigration policies expected under Merz
Merz has pledged to tighten immigration controls, including stricter deportation policies and measures to curb irregular migration. His five-point plan, unveiled earlier, calls for expanded border controls, an entry ban on undocumented migrants and accelerated deportations - policies that could face legal challenges under European Union law.
Key points of the CDU's immigration plan:
1. Stricter border controls: Merz proposes reintroducing internal border controls, citing security concerns. However, under Schengen rules, such measures are only allowed temporarily and in exceptional cases, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic or after terrorist attacks.
2. Entry ban for undocumented migrants: The plan includes a “de facto entry ban” for individuals without valid documents, including asylum seekers. However, EU law requires asylum seekers to be processed upon arrival in the first EU country they enter, which could lead to disputes with neighboring countries like Austria.
3. Stricter deportation rules: The CDU aims to speed up deportations, especially for rejected asylum seekers linked to criminal activities. The challenge lies in legal barriers and opposition from some EU states that refuse to take back deported individuals.
4. Declaring a "National Emergency": Merz has suggested invoking Article 72 of the EU Treaty to declare a national emergency, allowing for extended border restrictions. However, proving the existence of an emergency under current conditions would be legally difficult.
5. Push for EU-wide reform: If the CDU wins the upcoming federal elections, its approach could put pressure on the European Union to reform its asylum laws. Some member states have criticized the current system as inefficient, potentially leading to broader changes.
The AfD nearly doubled its share of the vote compared to the last election, capitalizing on voters' concerns about immigration, especially after recent violent incidents involving asylum seekers. The party gained significant traction in eastern Germany, where frustration over the influx of refugees has been high. However, Merz has ruled out any coalition with the AfD, citing its extremist rhetoric and controversial history.
Challenges in implementing stricter immigration controls
Merz's proposed immigration policies could face legal and diplomatic hurdles. Under EU regulations, asylum seekers must be processed in the first member state they enter, and rejected asylum seekers cannot be forcibly returned without agreement from neighboring countries. Austria, for example, has already said it will not take back migrants deported from Germany.
Moreover, declaring a "national emergency" to close the borders, as Merz has suggested, would require legal justification. The outgoing government argues that existing border controls have already reduced irregular migration and that further restrictions would likely conflict with EU rules.
Public opinion on immigration played a key role in the election outcome. Many voters expressed disappointment with the outgoing government's handling of migration, while others expressed concerns about rising costs and economic stagnation. Meanwhile, AfD supporters saw the party as the only viable option for dealing with immigration issues. However, resistance to far-right policies remains strong.
As Merz prepares to take office, the immigration debate will remain a central issue in German politics, shaping both domestic policies and relations with the European Union.
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