Conservative parties CDU and CSU align with the far-right AfD in support of a distinct migration policy
In the heart of German politics, a contentious vote on stricter asylum seeker rules has recently taken place. This decision-making body is the Bundestag, where members of parliament work, and their decisions affect all people in Germany.
The Bundestag, Germany's federal parliament, is a cornerstone of the country's democratic system. Every four years, citizens have the opportunity to decide which members come to the Bundestag through a federal election. Democracy, as we know, is characterised by the rule of the people, free elections, and the majority deciding.
However, this latest vote was met with opposition from the SPD and Green parties. They argued that the Union's proposals for stricter asylum rules were against EU laws and the German Basic Law. The Union, a coalition of the CDU and CSU, functions as sister parties, and the current leader of the CDU and CSU in the Bundestag is Friedrich Merz. The CSU can only be voted for in Bavaria, while the CDU can be voted for in all other federal states.
The AfD (Alternative for Germany), another political party in Germany, entered the Bundestag in 2017. This right-wing extremist party, known for its beliefs in unequal rights for different groups, has been a source of controversy in German politics.
In a real democracy, the government must respect the rights of the minority. In Germany, refugees often apply for asylum because they are persecuted or there is war in their home country. However, asylum seekers in Germany often have to wait a long time for a decision on their application.
The Union's proposals included strengthening border controls, letting in fewer new refugees, and encouraging more refugees to return to their home countries. These proposals have raised concerns about the treatment of refugees and asylum seekers.
Recently, a significant development occurred when Friedrich Merz, Chancellor of Germany since May 2025, announced that his party moved a migration motion in the Bundestag which attained a majority due to AfD votes. This cooperation with the right-wing extremist AfD to push stricter asylum laws has been met with criticism.
In a democracy, free media play a crucial role in ensuring informed citizens. With this latest vote, the role of the media in keeping the public informed and engaging in open debate is more important than ever. For now, no changes have been made to Germany's asylum rules, as there was no majority in the second vote in the Bundestag on the new asylum rules.
It is essential to remember that in a democracy, the voices of all citizens should be heard, and the rights of the minority must be respected. The ongoing debate surrounding asylum seekers in Germany will undoubtedly continue to shape the country's political landscape in the coming years.
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