German Political Landscape Shifts as CDU Faces Backlash Over AfD Vote

The CDU defends its migration policy as protests and political tensions rise ahead of the February 23 Bundestag election.

The CDU's recent Bundestag vote on migration policy, supported by AfD votes, has sparked widespread protests, with over 160,000 demonstrators gathering in Berlin under the 'Brandmauer' banner.
CDU leader Friedrich Merz insists the vote was a one-time exception and reiterates his party's refusal to collaborate with the AfD in any form, including coalition or minority government arrangements.
The failed CDU migration bill, which proposed stricter asylum regulations, has drawn criticism from SPD and Greens, citing constitutional concerns and opposition to restricting family reunification for refugees.
The FDP has proposed a 'Migrationspakt der Mitte,' seeking a last-minute compromise among democratic parties to address migration policy before the Bundestag election.
Despite the controversy, polls show no significant loss in support for the CDU, which remains at 30%, while the AfD holds steady as the second-strongest party at 22%.