In the wake of a horrifying knife attack in Aschaffenburg, Germany, Friedrich Merz, leader of the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has pledged immediate changes to the country's border policies. The attack, which occurred on Wednesday, resulted in the deaths of a two-year-old boy of Moroccan descent and a 41-year-old man, while several others sustained injuries. An Afghan man tied to the attack is expected to face court, bringing attention to the ongoing concerns regarding asylum seekers.
Merz accused the current government of mishandling immigration for decades and vowed to close Germany's borders to irregular migrants on his first day as chancellor, should he win the federal elections slated for February 23. He acknowledged the recent attack as a critical issue, stating that “we reached the limit” of acceptable asylum policies.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz has also reacted strongly, labeling the incident an "act of terror," yet officials have not confirmed a clear terrorist motive. Following the attack, pressure is mounting for both leaders to address rising violence linked to immigration—an issue the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has seized upon.
While critics argue that the proposed response is overdue and could strengthen right-wing parties, Merz's proposal reflects the tension in German politics concerning immigration and national security. Whether these pledges can be realized in a coalition government remains uncertain, as political maneuvering intensifies ahead of the elections.
