Brussels – In a significant political development, three weeks before pivotal elections that may reverberate beyond Germany, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), led by Friedrich Merz, has broken away from former Chancellor Angela Merkel's long-standing policy of non-cooperation with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD).

This shift comes amidst rising tensions surrounding immigration and a series of violent incidents involving migrants, prompting both major parties, the CDU and the Social Democrats (SPD), to adopt increasingly hardline stances on immigration.

On January 29, 2024, the Bundestag in Berlin witnessed a momentous event when Merz managed to secure support from AfD members and liberal parties to pass a contentious motion aimed at bolstering border controls and expanding police powers.

Specifically, Merz advocated for the declaration of a state of emergency, which would entail permanent deportations and reinforced border checks, actions seen as contrary to Schengen agreement stipulations.

The Chancellor Olaf Scholz articulated concerns about the implications of this motion, stating that it could lead Germany to violate EU law, echoing sentiments from the opposition.

The CDU's alignment with the AfD represents a notable shift in the party's rhetoric and strategy in light of upcoming elections set for February 23. The political climate has become increasingly charged, particularly following a violent incident in Aschaffenburg, Bavaria, on January 22, when an Afghan asylum seeker attacked a man and child.

Scholz, responding to this event, expressed his growing concern over the frequency of such attacks, stating that they are disturbing and reflect deeper societal issues regarding immigration and integration.

Current polling data suggests a significant change in the political landscape, with the CDU leading at 29 percent, followed closely by the AfD at 23 percent, marking the first time the far-right party has reached such levels of support.

The SPD, which has seen a drop from 19 to 15 percent in recent days, is experiencing declining voter confidence.

The Green Party, spearheaded by Economy Minister Robert Habeck, stands at 13 percent, while the liberal Free Democrats have fallen to just 3 percent.

Other parties, such as Sarah Wagenknecht’s red-brown faction and the left-wing Die Linke, are polling around 6 percent and 5 percent respectively.

Following the Bundestag vote, hundreds of protestors gathered outside the CDU's Berlin headquarters, voicing their dissent against the party's new direction by chanting slogans such as "Ban the CDU" and "Merz go away." Critics of the motion, including Terry Reintke, leader of the European Green group, have characterized the vote as a troubling development for German democracy.

International figures have also weighed in on the discourse surrounding the CDU's shift.

Austrian Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg criticized Merz's proposed border measures, emphasizing the negative implications of isolationist policies.

As the election approaches, Merz asserts that he seeks to maintain alliances with centrist and democratic parties, though questions remain regarding the future of traditional political alliances in Germany and the long-term impacts of collaboration with the far-right.

Scholz has labeled the Bundestag vote an "unforgivable mistake," suggesting a fracture in cross-party trust that has characterized German politics for decades.