The Party of European Socialists is alarmed by the recent comments of CDU leader and candidate for Chancellor Friederich Merz who is aiming to introduce highly controversial migration measures.
Merz plans to submit a motion restricting entry into Germany and standardising border controls at all entry points into the country. There are concerns that this could be in contradiction to the European treaties, and international law.
The PES is deeply concerned about the increasing alignment of the CDU with AfD’s far-right rhetoric and urges conservatives to preserve the cordon sanitaire.
Reacting to Merz’s comments, PES president Stefan Löfven said:
‘‘Recent statements by the CDU’s candidate for chancellor are both worrying and unsettling. Mr Merz is calling into question European law as well as the democratic consensus that has been in place since the Basic Law which was passed in Germany 75 years ago.
Merz’s comments are in direct contradiction with the Schengen agreement and are contrary to the European project. European law and the right to asylum must be respected. The horrific attacks which have taken place must not lead to disinhibition and radicalisation in German society.’’
The SPD under Olaf Scholz has our full backing in the upcoming federal election and we fully support his warning to uphold the cordon sanitaire against the far-right. Therefore, we call upon the CDU to stay true to its roots and stop leaning towards the far-right.
