German parties address immigration  infographic
Graphic shows position of major parties on immigration, with breakdown of immigrants by place of origin, and net migration statistics since 2012.
GN46709EN

POLITICS

German parties address immigration

By Phil Bainbridge

January 24, 2025 - The stabbing of two people in Bavaria – and the subsequent detention of an Afghan man – has forced immigration back to the centre of the election campaign.

Christian Democrat leader Friedrich Merz, favourite to become the next chancellor, has vowed to impose immediate permanent border controls, refusing entry to all “illegal immigrants”, and has called for Germany to withdraw from the Schengen principle allowing free movement within EU countries.

A string of violent attacks have fuelled support for the far-right AfD (Alternative for Germany) which is currently polling in second place ahead of February’s Federal election.

The Afghan suspect has a history of violent behaviour and had been undergoing psychiatric treatment. He had voluntarily closed his asylum process and had said he would leave Germany.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 24/01/2025; STORY: Graphic News; PICTURES: Getty Images
Advertisement