On Wednesday, Merz pushed through a non-binding motion in favour of an immigration crackdown with support from the AfD, breaking with Germany’s tradition of consensus-driven, centrist politics. Many fear it will only further embolden the far right.

The conservative CDU/CSU party is hardening its stance on irregular immigration. Others in Europe have already paved the way.

Social Democrat Scholz warns that Merz's proposal for permanent border controls would violate EU law, damage the economy, and threaten stability - Anadolu Ajansı

BERLIN — With Germany’s election less than a month away, center-left Chancellor Olaf Scholz has thrown cold water on the prospect of reviving the country’s traditional grand coalition — bluntly declaring that he “can’t trust” conservative leader Friedrich Merz anymore.

Germany's government and opposition are clashing over border control policies. Opposition leader Friedrich Merz pushes for tighter controls with potential far-right support. The tension arises amid rising violence,

German opposition leader Friedrich Merz, who is seen as the frontrunner to become the country's next chancellor, said that Donald Trump's second term will provide more clarity for the European Union.

German opposition leader Friedrich Merz has floated proposing legislation to tighten Germany's border controls, and claimed it would be on the SPD and Greens if he had to pass it with votes from the far-right AfD.

Context: Brussels is “reviewing” its probes into tech groups including Apple, Meta and Google, launched under its landmark digital markets rules. Trump said he considered fines imposed by the EU on US tech companies operating there as a “form of taxation”, and has vowed to retaliate.

The EPP’s messaging is clear that the CDU will return in the driver’s seat, if Merz becomes Germany's chancellor.

BERLIN (AP) — Germany’s parliament is expected to vote Friday on an opposition bill calling for tougher rules on migration that could become the first legislation to pass thanks to a far-right party — adding to a controversy about the attitude of the front-runner in Germany’s upcoming election toward the far right.

CDU leader Friedrich Merz will seek the AfD's support in parliament today over the flashpoint issue after his first effort sparked widespread condemnation and street protests.