(de-news.net) – The Bundestag has endorsed a five-point proposal by the CDU/CSU aimed at tightening migration policies, which includes increased rejections of asylum seekers at the German borders as well as the detention of foreigners who are enforceably required to leave the country. The proposal was approved with 348 votes in favor, 345 against, and 10 abstentions.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) had criticized the draft bill before the vote. He asserted that it would contravene EU law, send a detrimental signal to other nations and benefit right-wing political tendencies.

CDU chairman Friedrich Merz defended the proposal, arguing it was a necessary response to recent attacks. He however stressed that individuals with migration backgrounds should not be subjected to general suspicion. A second draft by the CDU/CSU, which included reform proposals for a generally more restrictive migration policy and additional powers for security authorities, did not receive majority support.