Brussels – As Germany approaches its early elections for the Bundestag scheduled for February 23, 2025, political tensions have intensified, particularly surrounding the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU/CSU) and its leader, Friedrich Merz.

This election marks a pivotal moment as the CDU/CSU seeks to return to power following the tenure of the coalition government led by Social Democratic Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

The CDU's recent strategy to seek parliamentary support from the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) has provoked cross-party criticism and public protests.

Just days ago, on January 29, Merz's party narrowly passed two non-binding motions aimed at a rigorous crackdown on irregular immigration, aided by the votes of AfD members.

However, shortly thereafter, the Bundestag rejected these motions due to the dissent of several conservative MPs, resulting in a setback for Merz's immigration policy agenda.

The CDU's attempts to collaborate with the AfD have sparked strong reactions from various political factions in Germany, including members of Merz's own party, notably former Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Critics argue that the CDU's courting of the AfD undermines decades of democratic efforts to keep the far-right at bay in the political landscape since World War II.

Mass protests erupted in response, with at least 160,000 demonstrators taking to the streets across major cities, including Berlin, where they marched from the Bundestag to the CDU headquarters, carrying anti-AfD placards.

The demonstrations were characterized by citizens voicing concerns over the perceived threat to German democracy and calling for a rejection of ultra-right politics.

In an unusual response, Merz dismissed the protesters' concerns, accusing them of hypocrisy and suggesting that their mobilization should focus on other social issues.

He expressed disappointment over the absence of mass protests against rising anti-Semitism, further complicating the political discourse.

Current polling data reflects the potential impact of these events on the electoral landscape.

Following the controversies, the CDU's approval rating has dipped from 30% to 28%, while the AfD maintains a firm 20% support among voters.

Additionally, Merz's personal approval has dropped three percentage points to 22%, putting him on par with the Greens' chancellor candidate Robert Habeck.

The AfD co-leader, Alice Weidel, has seized the opportunity to criticize Merz, suggesting that his decisions signal the weakening of his candidacy and the CDU’s standing.

Weidel has gained significant media attention recently, partly due to her exchanges with figures like Elon Musk, who recently garnered global attention for a controversial salute during an event.

As the elections draw nearer, Weidel is set to meet with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in Budapest, fostering connections with other right-wing leaders who share similar stances on immigration and relations with Russia.

This intensifying political environment in Germany reflects broader tensions in European politics, as parties grapple with the challenges posed by the rise of populism and far-right movements across the continent.