In the wake of the violent incident in Aschaffenburg, where a two-year-old and a 41-year-old man lost their lives, political tension is rising around immigration policy in Germany. Friedrich Merz, the leading candidate from the conservative CDU party, is underlining the need for immediate reforms. He aims to close the borders against irregular migrants and suggests significant increases in detention facilities for those facing deportation.

Merz's aggressive stance comes amid a backdrop of multiple violent attacks involving asylum seekers, prompting a hardened response from both Merz and Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Scholz has characterized the attack as a potential "act of terror," signaling a shift toward tougher immigration policies in light of public concerns. As the federal elections approach, the AfD party has amplified its calls for stringent immigration measures, creating a complex political landscape where both mainstream parties are grappling with the desire to address safety concerns while avoiding empowering extremist groups.