German bill calling for tougher rules on migration narrowly defeated

Germany has blocked a bill calling for tougher rules on migration after a close vote in the country's parliament.

The legislation was put forward by the country's opposition leader, Freidrich Merz, of the Christian Democratic Union, who has called for Germany to tighten migration controls after a series of high-profile killings by people with immigrant backgrounds.

The so-called "influx limitation bill" called for an end to family reunions for migrants with a protection status that falls short of full asylum. It also would have given federal police increased powers to carry out deportations.

The bill was rejected by 350 votes to 338, with five abstentions. Some politicians cheered and clapped as the result was announced.

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Chancellor Olaf Scholz said his party, the Social Democrats, and the Greens - partners in his minority government - would vote against the proposal.

But the bill had the support of both Germany's conservatives and the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD).

If the bill had made it through, it would have marked the first time in Germany's post-war history that its parliament had passed legalisation thanks to far-right support.

Centre-left parties have accused Mr Merz of breaking a political consensus to shun the AfD, which first entered parliament in 2017.

Friday's vote comes after a non-binding motion - calling for Germany to turn back many more migrants at its border - narrowly passed in parliament on Wednesday thanks to the AfD.

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Germany is due to hold a general election on 23 February, and the Christian Democratic Union, comprising the CDU and CSU, is polling at about 30%.

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The AfD is second on around 20%, while the Social Democrats and Greens are on about 16% and 14% respectively.

Mr Scholz has suggested that Mr Merz can no longer be trusted not to form a government with the AfD - something Mr Merz has strongly denied.

Germany is in a third consecutive year of recession.

Europe's largest economy shrank by 0.2% during 2024 - on top of a 0.3% contraction in 2023.

Meanwhile, tech billionaire Elon Musk recently made a surprise appearance at a far-right campaign event in Germany where he urged supporters to move beyond their "past guilt".