Germany’s Parliament Passes Controversial Migration Motion

Germany’s federal parliament Wednesday approved a contentious motion for stricter migration and asylum policies, proposed by the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Christian Social Union (CSU), Khaama Press reported. The motion garnered support from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the Free Democratic Party (FDP), passing with 348 votes in favor, 345 against, and 10 abstentions.

The five-point plan includes stricter border controls, a ban on entry for undocumented migrants even if they apply for asylum, detaining migrants facing deportation, daily deportations of unauthorized migrants, and harsher penalties for asylum seekers who commit crimes. While the motion reflects a significant shift in Germany’s political landscape, it does not impose legal obligations on the federal government.

This unprecedented support from far-right extremists has sparked widespread debate and criticism. Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned the motion, arguing it undermines the right to asylum, which was established to prevent the horrors of the Nazi era from recurring.