AfD to Introduce Merz’s Migration Plan in Saxony-Anhalt
Magdeburg, Germany – The AfD parliamentary group in Saxony-Anhalt intends to introduce the controversial five-point migration plan of Union Chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz verbatim into the state parliament of Magdeburg. "We want the CDU to show its true colors," Matthias Büttner, the AfD faction’s domestic policy spokesperson, told the German Press Agency.
The CDU, Büttner asserted, can now demonstrate whether it is genuinely committed to solving the migration crisis or whether its vote in the Bundestag was merely campaign rhetoric.
In late January, the Union, with the support of the AfD and the FDP, passed a five-point plan in the Bundestag to tighten migration regulations. Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) and many others subsequently accused Merz of breaking a taboo. The resolution, however, is not legally binding.
It remains to be seen how the black-red-yellow coalition in Saxony-Anhalt will respond to the AfD initiative. SPD parliamentary group leader Katja Pähle referred to the coalition agreement, which stipulates joint votes. "We will not support the motion," Pähle announced. She emphasized the need for a solution that is acceptable to all coalition partners.
One possible compromise would be to refer the AfD motion to the parliamentary committees next week. In that case, the issue would be further examined and debated there, said Guido Kosmehl, parliamentary manager of the FDP parliamentary group.
Merz’s Five-Point Plan
The five-point plan proposed by Merz includes:
- Accelerated asylum procedures: Asylum applications to be processed within a maximum of three months.
- Restriction of family reunification: Only spouses and minor children to be eligible for family reunification.
- Stricter deportation rules: Deportation to be mandatory for criminals and failed asylum seekers.
- Enhanced border controls: Increased surveillance of external borders and stricter penalties for illegal entry.
- Promotion of voluntary returns: Support for individuals willing to return to their countries of origin.
Reactions to the Plan
The plan has drawn mixed reactions, with critics arguing that it is inhumane and ineffective. Supporters, on the other hand, maintain that it is necessary to address the challenges posed by uncontrolled migration.
Political Landscape in Saxony-Anhalt
The AfD is the third-largest party in the Saxony-Anhalt state parliament, with 23 seats. The CDU holds 40 seats, the SPD 29, the Left Party 16, and the FDP 12.
The black-red-yellow coalition has a majority of 81 seats, while the AfD holds the remaining 23. This means that the AfD’s motion is unlikely to pass without the support of at least one coalition partner.
Outlook
The AfD’s initiative is likely to further strain the relationship between the ruling coalition and the far-right party. It remains to be seen whether the CDU and its coalition partners will be willing to engage with the AfD on this issue or whether they will simply reject the proposal outright.
The outcome of the debate in Saxony-Anhalt could have implications for the national political landscape in Germany, where the AfD has been seeking to gain legitimacy and influence.
