German parliament rejects opposition's draft migration law amid mass protests

Thousands of people protested in Berlin on Thursday against a proposal in Germany's parliament to tighten its immigration policy | Photo: Reuters

The German parliament has rejected a controversial migration law proposed by the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), which aimed to tighten immigration policies. The proposal sparked nationwide protests, with demonstrators condemning the CDU’s stance and calling for the withdrawal of the proposed law. 

On Thursday, thousands of people marched from northern Kiel to southern Freiburg, protesting against the proposal. Demonstrators gathered in front of CDU offices in multiple state capitals. 

According to police reports, nearly 7,000 people protested outside CDU headquarters in Munich, while 2,000 in Kiel, 4,000 in Mainz, 2,500 in Düsseldorf, 10,000 in Freiburg, and 13,000 in Berlin took to the streets.

Ahead of the parliamentary vote, heated debates took place, and several organizations called for a human chain demonstration around the parliament on Friday. The CDU submitted the proposal on January 29, with support from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), a party known for its anti-immigration stance and often labeled as “neo-Nazi.”

Former Chancellor Angela Merkel strongly criticized her party’s proposal, calling it “anti-democratic” and a “grave mistake.” She also condemned CDU leader Friedrich Merz for collaborating with AfD to push the law forward.

The draft proposal, set for a parliamentary vote on Friday, sought to limit illegal entry of third-country nationals into Germany and introduce stricter immigration laws. Key measures included:

• Restricting family reunification for refugees and asylum seekers.
• Eliminating tolerance policies for non-EU nationals awaiting visas or those who lost their travel documents.
• Strengthening border control measures.

Julia Duchrow, Secretary-General of Amnesty International Germany, called for the draft law’s withdrawal, stating that it “clearly violates European and international law.” She warned that the proposal could undermine Germany’s rule of law, European values, and universal human rights.

With Germany’s 21st general election approaching in February, CDU’s chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz was seen as a strong contender. However, the rejection of his migration policy could impact his chances in the upcoming vote.