Germany’s opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU) is trying to woo voters with promises of tougher migration rules ahead of February’s snap elections.
But experts say that the conservative CDU, as well as its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), risk pushing yet more voters towards the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) by mirroring its policies.
Opinion polls show that CDU leader Friedrich Merz will likely end up Germany’s next chancellor after the country votes on February 23rd.
Merz attended a meeting of the CSU where he promised that the Union bloc wouldn’t repeat the ‘mistakes’ of the Merkel-era when it comes to migration.
He also said he wanted to fix the severely underperforming German economy, and introduce tax reforms. He warned that Europe needs to be prepared for the ‘disruptive’ politics of US President-elect Donald Trump.
DW’s Chief Political Editor Michaela Küfner told us more about Merz’s speech.
Maximilian Pichl, a professor of social law, from the RheinMain University of Applied Sciences, joined us to discuss why the CDU’s plans might just fuel further support for the far-right.
00:00 Merz speaks during election campaign at CSU meeting
00:50 DW’s Michaela Küfner discusses Merz’s Trump comments
04:39 Migration key concern in election campaign
07:00 Maximilian Pichl on how CDU plans could boost far right more
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