The End of a Taboo: CDU’s Alliance with AfD on Anti-Immigration Motion
January, 2020 – Berlin
The Bundestag, Germany’s parliament, witnessed an unprecedented event on January 30, 2020. The conservative CDU/CSU parliamentary group, along with the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), voted in favor of a motion calling for stricter measures to combat illegal migration to Germany.
This collaboration sent shockwaves through German politics and beyond. Many commentators denounced it as a "taboo break," while others saw it as a necessary step in the context of Germany’s immigration challenges.
A Painful Juxtaposition
The significance of this event was amplified by its timing. The day began with a solemn commemoration of the victims of the Holocaust. The jarring contrast between the remembrance of one of history’s darkest chapters and the subsequent display of far-right extremism in the Bundestag was deeply unsettling.
A Watershed Moment
Hanna Veiler, a member of the Bundestag from the Green Party, condemned the CDU’s actions as "a taboo break" and a grave threat to German democracy. She emphasized that the collaboration with AfD should serve as a wake-up call to protect the country’s fragile democratic institutions.
A Complex Dilemma
The CDU’s decision to cooperate with AfD has its roots in the party’s recent shift to the right. In the face of rising populist sentiment, the CDU has sought to capture votes from the far-right by adopting more conservative policies on immigration and other issues.
However, this strategy has come at a steep cost. By legitimizing the AfD, the CDU has emboldened a party that openly espouses xenophobic and anti-democratic views.
The Challenge of Illegal Immigration
The issue of illegal immigration is a complex one that requires multifaceted solutions. While it is understandable that the CDU desires to address concerns over illegal border crossings, the party’s embrace of AfD’s divisive rhetoric is a dangerous and counterproductive approach.
Defending Democratic Values
The collaboration between the CDU and AfD underscores the importance of safeguarding democratic values. Populism and extremism thrive on fear and division. It is imperative to reject these forces and uphold the principles of tolerance, equality, and human rights.
A Call for Unity
Germany is facing a critical juncture in its history. The actions taken by the CDU have further divided the country and eroded trust in its political institutions. It is time for all democratic parties to come together and defend the values that have made Germany a beacon of hope and progress.
The fight against illegal immigration must be waged through responsible policies and international cooperation, not through alliances with extremist parties. Only by working together and upholding our democratic principles can we ensure that Germany remains a safe and welcoming home for all.
