Austria calls Merkel's migration policy the reason for the AdG's growing popularity

The migration policy pursued by former German Chancellor Angela Merkel has led not only to security problems in Germany, but also to the growing popularity of the right-wing party Alternative for Germany (ADG). Former Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said on Friday, January 31.

"I can only say that the open borders policy and the generally unsuccessful migration policy has not only led to a deterioration of the security situation in Germany. But it has also led to a significant strengthening of the AdH, which would never have happened if not for Merkel's policies," Bild quoted Kurz as saying.

In his view, the endorsement of the proposal by Friedrich Merz, chairman and chancellor candidate of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), is not a political scandal.

"A politician should do what he thinks is right and not constantly puzzle over who is in favor and who is against. That means leadership," the former Austrian chancellor added.

Never say never: conservatives in Germany are moving closer to the far right

The CDU/CSU bloc was able to push an initiative to tighten migration policy through parliament with the help of the AdH

Euronews reported earlier that Merkel criticized Friedrich Merz for accepting the support of the far-right Alternative for Germany for restricting migration. A resolution calling for stricter border control and asylum rules was passed by a minimal margin thanks to the support of the AdG.

On Jan. 29, the Bundestag session voted on tightening migration laws. According to the government administration, 187 CDU/CSU MPs, 75 AdG MPs, 80 members of the FDP parliamentary faction and 6 non-party MPs voted in favor of the bill, resulting in the necessary majority of 348 votes.

In December 2024, the Bundestag revoked the Scholz government's confidence. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier then endorsed February 23, 2025 as a possible date for early parliamentary elections.