Friedrich Merz Leads CDU to Victory as Far-Right Surge Stirs Immigration Debate

Key Takeaways

• Friedrich Merz’s CDU won 30% of votes, proposing stricter immigration controls, including tighter borders and “de facto entry bans.”
• Skilled worker visa thresholds tightened in December 2024, impacting foreign professionals despite Germany’s need to address labor shortages.
• Coalition outcomes will shape CDU immigration policies, which must align with EU rules to avoid legal challenges.

Germany’s 2025 federal election has brought major changes to its political and social landscape, with potential implications for immigration policies and the future of immigrants in the country. The center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), led by Friedrich Merz, secured approximately 30% of the vote, marking a clear win. However, the election also saw the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) nearly doubling its support, reaching about 20% of the total votes. This raises pressing questions about what lies ahead for immigration in Germany 🇩🇪.

A Rightward Shift in Germany’s Politics

Friedrich Merz Leads CDU to Victory as Far-Right Surge Stirs Immigration Debate

The CDU’s win, combined with the stronger showing by the AfD, points to a shift in Germany’s political climate toward the right. This could lead to changes in the country’s approach to handling migrants, asylum seekers, and even skilled labor immigration. Friedrich Merz’s policies, which formed a major part of the CDU’s campaign, provide insight into what’s likely to come.

In early 2025, Merz introduced a five-point migration plan that made headlines for its strict measures. This plan proposed tighter border controls and the ability to turn away asylum seekers at the country’s borders, even if they might have fled dangerous circumstances. While Merz’s push for stricter immigration controls resonated with many voters, it also drew criticism for potentially breaching German and European Union (EU) law. Under EU asylum law, every claimant has the right to have their case reviewed upon entry into the EU, making border refusals a legal gray zone.

Merz has also argued for what he called a “de facto entry ban” targeted at anyone arriving without proper documents. Critics, however, point out that circumstances such as fleeing conflict or persecution often prevent refugees from obtaining such documents, making this policy especially controversial. If this policy were enforced, it could have a dramatic impact on asylum seekers hoping to find safety in Germany.

AfD’s Rise and Its Role in Immigration Discourse

The success of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) further intensifies concerns. Although the AfD remains excluded from mainstream coalition politics, its rise could heavily sway public discussion on immigration. The party, identified as partially extremist by German security officials, advocates policies that go further than the CDU’s, including leaving the EU entirely and abolishing military aid to Ukraine. Immigration has long been a central issue for the AfD, and its bigger presence in parliament could amplify more radical viewpoints on migrants and refugees.

Despite its isolation within government, the AfD’s newfound strength cannot be dismissed. Its rhetoric and policy ideas could influence the tone of debates, leading to more restrictive attitudes not just toward asylum seekers but also toward EU citizens living in Germany.

Germany’s Need for Skilled Workers

Germany faces an aging population and an impending demographic crisis. Nearly 19.5 million members of the baby boomer generation are set to retire by 2036. This reality has made the need for skilled workers from abroad a top priority for sustaining the country’s economy. Friedrich Merz and the CDU acknowledge this issue, though their proposed solutions suggest a carefully controlled immigration strategy.

The CDU favors policies designed to attract educated professionals who can fill roles in industries struggling with labor shortages. This could include simplifying some pathways for skilled workers to enter the German workforce. At the same time, the CDU has stressed that certain forms of immigration, especially irregular migration, need stricter management. This balancing act may result in streamlined visa processes for some professionals while creating additional barriers for migrants who don’t fit into predefined categories.

Additionally, changes to salary thresholds enacted in December 2024 for skilled worker visa applicants could have a mixed impact. These updated requirements, tied to Germany’s statutory pension insurance, make qualifications for certain visas more difficult to meet. For foreign professionals hoping to move to Germany 🇩🇪, this could mean new hurdles, even as companies across industries face talent shortages.

Implications for International Students

International students, often seen as a solution to Germany’s skilled labor woes, face both opportunities and challenges under the CDU’s immigration approach. Germany has long sought to retain international graduates and transition them into its workforce. Yet experts worry that the CDU’s tighter stance on general immigration could trickle down to impact policies for students.

The CDU is likely to push for retention of graduates in high-demand fields, such as technology and engineering. However, stricter rules could apply regarding how seamlessly students can move from study visas to work permits. For Germany to maintain its appeal as an educational hub, it will need to balance the need for talent with policies that do not discourage young professionals from staying.

Refugees and Humanitarian Migration

For refugees and asylum seekers, the election results are less promising. The CDU has signaled stricter policies for individuals entering under humanitarian grounds. These include faster deportations for rejected applicants and increased border control measures. While legal experts note that German proposals must comply with EU asylum frameworks, including processing applications at the point of entry, the CDU’s tougher rhetoric could further complicate the process for vulnerable individuals trying to escape war or crisis zones.

The rise in nationalist sentiment seen in the election could also influence attitudes toward refugees. Even as laws remain unchanged, public opinion plays a critical role in creating an environment where asylum seekers either thrive or are marginalized.

Broader Impacts on EU and Global Mobility

Germany’s immigration policies are not shaped in isolation — EU laws provide a foundation for member countries’ approach to migrants. For instance, any alterations to asylum law by Germany 🇩🇪 would need to align with the EU’s shared regulations. This complicates Merz’s proposed border restrictions, as EU courts would likely challenge any deviation from agreed-upon legal standards.

Germany also holds a central role in EU migration discussions. Policies implemented in Berlin can set the tone for other member countries, influencing how Europe at large handles its collective responsibility for migrants and refugees. This places Germany’s new government at the center of not only national but international debates on how to address migration in a rapidly changing world.

Forming a Government and the Path Forward

Although the CDU emerged as the strongest party, it did not win an outright majority. This means Friedrich Merz and his team must form a coalition, and the choice of partner will shape the final stance on immigration. For example, a coalition with more centrist or left-leaning parties could soften some of Merz’s harder positions. Conversely, aligning with conservative allies could amplify the shift toward restrictive policies.

The coalition decision will determine which parts of the CDU’s proposed immigration rules become actionable. Moreover, Germany 🇩🇪 must remain mindful of the legal frameworks imposed by the EU, which act as a guardrail against overly restrictive approaches that might violate international agreements.

What Lies Ahead

Germany’s 2025 election results mark a turning point for the country’s immigration policies. The combination of Friedrich Merz’s CDU victory and the AfD’s stronger position suggests a more careful and selective approach to migration. Skilled workers in specific sectors will likely find doors open, while asylum seekers and others might face stricter screenings. How this plays out will depend on the coalition government and Germany’s ability to act within EU laws.

For those hoping to understand their options for migrating to Germany, staying informed is key. Reputable platforms like VisaVerge.com can provide detailed guidance on navigating these changes. With immigration debates bound to intensify, understanding the evolving legal and social environment will be essential.

Learn Today

Asylum Seeker → A person seeking protection in another country due to persecution or danger in their home country.
Coalition Government → A government formed by multiple political parties when no single party achieves an outright majority in elections.
Demographic Crisis → A significant challenge arising from population trends, such as aging populations or declining birth rates, affecting economic and social structures.
Irregular Migration → Movement of people across borders without proper documentation or authorization, often involving refugees or economic migrants.
Statutory Pension Insurance → A government-mandated system providing financial support to individuals after retirement, funded by contributions from workers and employers.

This Article in a Nutshell

Germany’s Political Shift and Immigration’s Future

Germany’s 2025 election signals political change, with CDU’s Friedrich Merz winning 30% and far-right AfD doubling support to 20%. Stricter immigration policies, including tighter borders, may emerge. While skilled workers face new opportunities, asylum seekers might encounter intensified challenges. The coalition’s direction will shape Germany’s migration approach within EU law constraints.