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.

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.

Conservatives have cooperated with the far-right AfD for the first time, amid growing support from the tech billionaire.

German conservative leader Friedrich Merz is set to take his hard-line immigration push to the next level despite a growing backlash over his move this week to force a resolution through parliament with backing from the far right.

CDU-Chef Friedrich Merz wird trotz der zunehmenden Kritik an seinem Vorstoß in dieser Woche, einen Antrag mit Unterstützung der AfD durch den Bundestag zu bringen, seinen harten Kurs in Sachen Migration fortsetzen.

The front-runner to become Germany’s next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has prompted fierce backlash after relying on far-right votes to push a motion through parliament — breaking a longtime taboo. Germany’s centrist parties had previously made a point to avoid cooperation with the far right in any capacity,

Germany’s likely next chancellor wants tougher migration measures even with AfD support, triggering a fierce pre-election debate.

Chancellor Scholz says rival Merz joining forces with far-right party in parliament to introduce stricter migration legislation ahead of Feb. 23 elections - Anadolu Ajansı

Germany's conservative opposition leader was set Friday to again seek far-right support in parliament on the flashpoint issue of immigration, after his first effort sparked widespread condemnation and street protests.

The CDU party chief, who leads in the polls to become the next chancellor, said he would collect votes from all parties to push his five-point migration plan through parliament despite Chancellor Olaf Scholz's strong opposition.

The German Bundestag will hold a debate on the "influx limitation law" then vote on it. The law, proposed by the conservative CDU/CSU bloc, could pass in the lower house with the aid of the far-right AfD party.