(de-news.net) – Bundestag president Bärbel Bas (SPD) has implored CDU’s Friedrich Merz to reassess his position on asylum policy, particularly in light of the forthcoming Bundestag vote where the Union may or may not secure a majority with AfD’s assistance. She recognized the pressure on members of parliament to propose swift solutions following recent attacks in German cities but underscored the significance of compromise, even during electoral campaigns. Bas cautioned that forsaking compromise could jeopardize future coalition formations – and democracy itself. Carsten Schneider (SPD), Minister of State for East Germany and Equivalent Living Conditions, reproached Merz for instigating a “breach” by legitimizing cooperation with the AfD, which he argued undermined local CDU efforts to avert such alliances.

Prior to the vote on the influx Bas advocated for compromise in the migration discourse. She acknowledged Merz’s urgency following recent violence but emphasized that electoral periods should not disregard established parliamentary compromise mechanisms. The Bundestag had recently endorsed a Union proposal with AfD and FDP support, provoking indignation among SPD, Greens, and Left. Even CDU figures, such as former Chancellor Merkel, expressed criticism. The Union intends to vote on an asylum law tomorrow, which SPD, Greens, and Left oppose.

SPD leader Lars Klingbeil urged CDU’s Friedrich Merz to withdraw the Influx Limitation Act from the Bundestag vote, arguing that Merz now had the opportunity to repair the damage to political culture and his party’s reputation. Klingbeil suggested that Merz’s willingness to seek a majority with right-wing extremists was problematic, and emphasized the importance of maintaining democratic unity. Green Party leader Katharina Dröge similarly warned Merz against collaborating with the AfD, describing recent votes as breaches of political norms. Former SPD leader Franz Müntefering criticized Merz’s actions as driven by vanity and lacking strategic sense.

In a rare statement, former Chancellor Angela Merkel criticized the CDU and FDP’s collaboration with the AfD in a Bundestag vote. She deemed it wrong to enable a majority with AfD votes and reminded that CDU leader Friedrich Merz had previously committed to avoiding such alliances. Merkel emphasized the importance of maintaining state responsibility and urged a return to respectful proposals. She called for all democratic parties to work together sincerely to prevent future attacks like those in Magdeburg and Aschaffenburg.