German Churches Criticize Conservative Immigration Plan Amid Election Campaign
Catholic and Protestant leaders warn against far-right collaboration over proposed immigration restrictions.
The German Catholic and Protestant churches have issued a joint warning against the conservative opposition's plan to tighten immigration laws, voicing concerns over its potential to foster prejudice and harm Germany's democratic values.
The statement comes in response to proposals by Friedrich Merz, leader of the CDU/CSU, ahead of Germany's snap election on February 23. Merz’s immigration reform plan, which could garner support from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), has sparked significant debate.
The AfD, which is labeled as right-wing extremist by German security services, has gained considerable momentum in national polling.
The churches, in their letter to parliament, argue that the proposed legal changes would not have prevented any recent violent attacks committed by foreign-born individuals, as has been suggested by some proponents of stricter immigration policies.
Furthermore, they raised alarm over the potential for the CDU/CSU to break a long-standing political taboo by collaborating with the AfD.
The churches cautioned that such a shift could lead to 'massive damage' to German democracy.
Historically, the CDU and CSU have been firmly positioned as representatives of Christian and Western values.
The churches’ concerns reflect the broader tension in Germany’s political landscape as immigration and security become central issues in the run-up to the election.
With nearly half of Germany's population identifying as Christian, the churches' influence on the national discourse remains significant.
The CDU/CSU, which has traditionally been seen as a moderate conservative force, is now facing increasing pressure as the election approaches.
The statement comes in response to proposals by Friedrich Merz, leader of the CDU/CSU, ahead of Germany's snap election on February 23. Merz’s immigration reform plan, which could garner support from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), has sparked significant debate.
The AfD, which is labeled as right-wing extremist by German security services, has gained considerable momentum in national polling.
The churches, in their letter to parliament, argue that the proposed legal changes would not have prevented any recent violent attacks committed by foreign-born individuals, as has been suggested by some proponents of stricter immigration policies.
Furthermore, they raised alarm over the potential for the CDU/CSU to break a long-standing political taboo by collaborating with the AfD.
The churches cautioned that such a shift could lead to 'massive damage' to German democracy.
Historically, the CDU and CSU have been firmly positioned as representatives of Christian and Western values.
The churches’ concerns reflect the broader tension in Germany’s political landscape as immigration and security become central issues in the run-up to the election.
With nearly half of Germany's population identifying as Christian, the churches' influence on the national discourse remains significant.
The CDU/CSU, which has traditionally been seen as a moderate conservative force, is now facing increasing pressure as the election approaches.
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