Immigration and Political Stances in Germany

Friedrich Merz, chairman of the CDU, stresses the significance of immigration in bolstering Germany's labor market. He envisions a future where immigration primarily supports employment rather than social systems, advocating for a reduction in asylum seekers. Concurrently, Merz firmly dismisses any collaboration with the AfD, aiming to address issues that have fueled its ascent, particularly in refugee policy.

Meanwhile, the AfD's controversial election program includes radical and peculiar demands, such as limiting social benefits for foreigners and advocating for a return to the Deutsche Mark. These positions highlight the party's skepticism towards current European structures and its desire to revert to more traditional norms. In contrast, Sahra Wagenknecht of the BSW seeks a "radical reduction" in refugee numbers, showing alignment with some of Merz's policies while criticizing symbolic politics. Despite fluctuating support, Wagenknecht remains optimistic about the BSW's parliamentary prospects.