Friedrich Merz is coming to Dresden today - in a politically heated phase. Just two days ago, the CDU pushed through a controversial migration bill with AfD votes, and on Friday another CDU bill could also be passed with the help of the AfD. What can we expect from his appearance?
Merz in Dresden: an election campaign appearance under high tension
Friedrich Merz, chairman of the CDU and candidate for chancellor of the CDU/CSU, is appearing in Dresden today - in the midst of one of the most controversial political debates in recent years. As Germany prepares for the next general election, the CDU is facing a crucial test: should it pragmatically use any majority in the Bundestag or strictly distance itself from the AfD?
The appearance comes at a critical time: it was only on January 29 that the CDU/CSU managed to win a majority for its motion to tighten asylum policy with the support of the AfD - a first in the parliamentary history of the Federal Republic. Two days later, on January 31, another CDU bill on migration policy could also receive a majority with AfD votes. These developments are causing heated discussions across Germany and Merz is expected to comment on them in Dresden.
Election campaign topic number one: migration and security
Merz has clearly positioned migration policy as the core of his strategy for the federal election. In Dresden, he is expected to present his party's five-point plan again, which includes the following measures:
- Permanent border controls with all neighboring countries
- A ban on entry for people without valid documents, even if they are applying for asylum
- Taking those required to leave the country into custody and deporting them more quickly
- Enforcing daily deportations
- Establishing federal exit centers to support the federal states
These plans are highly controversial. While CDU supporters praise Merz for his "clear edge", critics warn that the Union is embarking on a dangerous collaboration with the AfD. In Dresden, he is likely to have to take an unequivocal stance on this.
Expected protests and political reactions
Merz's appearance in Dresden is unlikely to be without resistance. Various groups have already announced demonstrations. While CDU supporters are celebrating Merz as the "only real challenger to Chancellor Olaf Scholz", left-wing alliances want to send a signal against the CDU moving closer to the AfD.
There are also critical voices within the CDU. The first MPs from North Rhine-Westphalia and Schleswig-Holstein have expressed concerns that the party is becoming dangerously dependent on the AfD. The CDU's direct candidates in Saxony are in favor of the initiative. Dresden CDU members of parliament Dr. Markus Reichel and Lars Rohwer support the current path.
The SPD, Greens and Left have sharply criticized the CDU chairman for the recent voting result. They warn of a "dam break" in German politics. Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) has also already spoken out and emphasized that the right to asylum is "non-negotiable".
The decisive vote on Friday
While Merz is speaking in Dresden today, attention is already turning to 31 January, when the CDU's "Immigration Limitation Act" will be put to the vote. Among other things, it provides for an end to family reunification for refugees with limited protection status and gives the federal police new powers for deportations.
If this law also receives a majority with votes from the AfD, the political debate about the role of the CDU in the Bundestag could reach a new level of escalation.
It remains to be seen how Merz will position himself today in Dresden and whether he will master the balancing act between a consistent asylum policy and democratic demarcation from the AfD. One thing is certain: his appearance will be followed with excitement throughout Germany.
