Candidate for Chancellor of Germany sets border closure for illegal immigrants as top priority
Photo: Candidate for Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz (Getty Images)
Candidate for Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz plans to introduce a ban on the entry of illegal migrants into the country. He intends to do this on his first day in office as head of the government, n-tv reports.
"If I am elected Chancellor of Germany, on the first day of my term, I will instruct the Ministry of the Interior, using the powers of the federal chancellor, to continuously control Germany's state borders with all neighboring countries and reject all attempts at illegal entry without exception," said Merz.
He emphasized that he aims to prevent "attempts at illegal entry without exceptions," meaning even those who are entitled to protection. Although this contradicts European norms, Germany, according to him, must "exercise its right to prioritize national legislation."
The candidate for Chancellor of Germany stated that he wants to allow only those who wish to enter the country legally, i.e., those who can present a passport, an ID, and, if necessary, a visa. At the same time, the federal police should have the authority to issue arrest warrants for migrants.
Merz also stressed that he would not make any compromises on this issue with potential coalition partners.
Merz could become Chancellor of Germany
After the Free Democrats (FDP) exited the coalition, a minority government consisting of the Social Democrats (SPD) and the Greens remains in power ahead of early elections in Germany.
Current Chancellor Olaf Scholz, leader of the SPD, is unlikely to secure enough votes to lead a new coalition government. Recently, media outlets have reported that Scholz's chances of being re-elected for a new term are rapidly diminishing.
Meanwhile, the largest bloc, the CDU/CSU, which is currently in opposition, has higher electoral support than any other individual party according to polls. If it manages to form a future coalition, it is highly likely that the leader of the CDU, Friedrich Merz, will assume the role of Chancellor.
