Germany is set to tighten its immigration policies, with incoming conservative leader Friedrich Merz announcing strict measures to curb irregular migration, including rejecting undocumented migrants and asylum seekers at the country’s borders.
Merz, whose CDU/CSU bloc recently won the national elections, revealed these plans after reaching an agreement with the centre-left SPD during coalition talks. Speaking at a press conference, he emphasized that Germany would collaborate with its European neighbors to enforce tougher border controls and reject asylum applications at entry points.
“In coordination with our European partners, we will turn away asylum seekers at shared borders and take all constitutional measures to curb irregular migration,” Merz stated. He also vowed to expand border security measures immediately upon taking office.
A Hardline Shift in Immigration Policy
The announcement comes amid growing concerns over immigration, a key issue during the election campaign, which saw a surge in support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Several high-profile violent incidents—some linked to asylum seekers—have fueled public anxiety and intensified calls for stricter migration policies.
Merz, a long-time critic of former Chancellor Angela Merkel’s open-door refugee policy, aims to reverse course. His government plans to:
End voluntary admission programs, such as those for Afghan refugees.
Suspend family reunifications for migrants granted subsidiary protection.
Empower federal police to detain foreigners facing deportation.
Germany’s police union welcomed the proposals, but emphasized the need for additional resources to implement them effectively.
A Divisive Move Amid Political Upheaval
Merz’s stance on immigration has sparked controversy, particularly after he allowed a parliamentary motion to pass with support from the far-right AfD—a move that broke Germany’s long-standing political taboo against collaborating with extremist parties. The decision led to mass protests across the country, with critics warning that such policies could fuel xenophobia and deepen political divisions.
As Germany prepares for a new political era, the proposed immigration clampdown signals a dramatic shift in policy, one that could have lasting implications for the country’s role in Europe’s refugee and asylum framework.
