February 2, 2025
2 mins read

German parliament rejects immigration bill 

This comes as a major setback for Merz who is running against Olaf Scholz to be the next chancellor of Germany…reports Asian Lite News

German Parliament has rejected the immigration bill pushed by opposition’s Freidrich Merz to tighten rules in the existing laws. 

The bill, backed by the Germany’s far-right parties, was narrowly rejected in the parliament by 11 votes with 349 lawmakers voting against it and 338 voting in support. Christian Democratic Union Of Germany leader Freidrich Merz pushed the ‘Influx Limitation Law’ that advocates permanent border control with all neighboring countries and for people to be turned back at the borders, even if they make a request for asylum. 

This comes as a major setback for Merz who is running against Olaf Scholz to be the next chancellor of Germany. The snap elections are Scheduled to be held on February 23. 

The polls in Germany shows that Merz has a 30 per cent support and is favourite to become the Chancellor. Alternative for Germany (AfD) is in second with 20 per cent support, DW reported. 

Social Democratic Party of Germany General Secretary saw the rejection of the bill as a major defeat of Merz. 

“Mr. Merz has failed twice today,” Mutzenich said. “Failed to find the way to the AfD. Failed to gain the majority in the German Bundestag.” 

AfD leader Alice Weidel also slammed Merz saying that parliament decision signified “implosion of a conservative people’s party,” adding “this was the dismantling of Friedrich Merz as a candidate for chancellor.” 

Germany’s upcoming elections were triggered after Chancellor Olaf Scholz lost a vote of confidence in December, resulting in the collapse of his coalition government. Meanwhile, American tech billionaire Elon Musk has extended his support for AfD, calling it the country’s “best hope.” 

The AfD, recently making history as the first far-right party to win a state election since the Nazi era, has gained momentum in national polls. However, its heavy anti-immigrant policies have alienated mainstream parties, all of which have ruled out any collaboration with the AfD. 

ALSO READ: Top UK universities cutting staff   

ALSO READ: Osamu Suzuki honoured with Padma Vibhushan

Previous Story

Former German President Horst Kohler passes away 

Next Story

First Woman at NASA’s Helm: Janet Petro’s Legacy in the Making

Latest from -Top News

Musk Signals Thaw in Trump Rift

Musk credited Trump for resolving major global conflicts, tagging a Truth Social post to back his claim….reports Asian Lite News Tesla CEO and former presidential advisor Elon Musk appeared to signal a

Tibetans Slam China’s ‘Reincarnation Politics’

Sikyong said the Chinese government is systematically working to erase Tibetan identity by targeting its language and religion, core pillars of its cultural heritage….reports Asian Lite News With the Dalai Lama entrusting

USAID Officially Shuts Down

USAID will be merged into the US State Department from Tuesday….reports Asian Lite News The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) was officially shut down on Tuesday, drawing criticism from former

Quad Raises Alarm Over Myanmar Crisis

Quad presses junta, all parties to honour and extend truce…reports Asian Lite News The Quad Foreign Ministers voiced deep concern over the escalating crisis in Myanmar and its regional impact, urging the
Go toTop

Don't Miss

France, Germany should become pioneers of Europe refoundation: Macron

Macron said that the two countries should also be pioneers

‘Germany happy to welcome increasing numbers of Indian tourists’

GNTO aims to attract Indian travellers interested in exploring the