Scholz criticizes opposition for collaboration with AfD
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German chancellor Olaf Scholz censures the opposition parties for their collaboration with the far-right AfD on their proposal to tighten migration policy.
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German Chancellor Olaf Scholz speaks at the beginning of a debate about migration at the German parliament Bundestag in Berlin, Germany, Wednesday, January 29, 2025. (AP)
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Wednesday strongly criticized the opposition Christian Democratic Union and Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) over potential cooperation with the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) on tightening migration policies, calling it an "unforgivable mistake."
"They [CDU/CSU] openly agree to support the AfD in their illegal proposals. To support those who fight against our democracy … This is a serious mistake. An unforgivable mistake," Scholz said in an address to the Bundestag.
The chancellor warned that such collaboration could lead to a "blue-black government," referring to the colors associated with AfD and the CDU/CSU alliance. He emphasized the historical consensus among democratic parties in post-war Germany to avoid aligning with the far-right.
"Since the founding of the Federal Republic of Germany over 75 years ago, there has always been a clear consensus among all democrats … We do not unite with the far-right. Not in Germany," Scholz stated.
Germany is set to hold snap federal elections on February 23, with migration policy emerging as a central issue in the political debate.
Migration, education platform
Germany’s far-right AfD has finalized its manifesto ahead of next month’s crucial election, proposing a range of highly controversial policies on issues such as migration and education as the campaign for Europe’s economic powerhouse officially begins.
Founded in 2013, the AfD has incorporated the far-right concept of “re-migration” into its platform, threatening mass deportations of migrants if it gains power.
The term, often associated with far-right and identitarian movements, drew widespread attention after reports surfaced of its discussion at a secret meeting in November 2023 involving right-wing extremists, neo-Nazis, and AfD officials. The revelation triggered protests across Germany.
Recent polls indicate the AfD, parts of which German domestic intelligence has classified as far-right extremist, has risen to 22% in voter support, trailing only the CDU/CSU alliance, which dipped by one point to 30%.
