Summary
Thousands of Germans protested the CDU/CSU party for collaborating with the far-right AfD to pass anti-immigration legislation.
The move, seen as a breach of a post-war taboo against extremist parties, sparked outrage and accusations of making AfD extremism socially acceptable.
The CDU/CSU argues the legislation is necessary due to concerns about immigration and recent attacks by individuals who should have been deported.
A bit of additional context: The “legislation” passed on Wednesday was only a non-binding recommendation to the government. Basically a list of “the parliament would like you to do that”. So Merz threw away his “Brandmauer” (wall of fire against the AfD) for something that doesn’t even matter.
But, it gets better. It’ll repeat today, but this time with actual legislation. The CDU/CSU is trying to blackmail the other democratic parties into voting for it, because else the AFD will get stronger again. But they aren’t having it, so odds are high that we’ll get a repeat today. Just even worse because this time the outcome actually means something besides symbolism.
Keep in mind - that guy is currently in Position number 1 to become the next Chancellor, he’s always lying and backtracking on promises he made. Such as the promise that, after our government fell in November: “We’ll only pass things that can find support with the democratic forces.” Or a much earlier promise of:“Anyone who cooperates with the AfD will face a party-removal.” Even Merkel cut him down to size a bit yesterday by saying that she thinks it’s wrong - and Merkel basically never comes out of the woodwork to give her opinion on stuff in such a way.
Firewall. As in a wall designed to hold back fire so that it doesn’t spread. Specifically a masonry wall, “Brandwand” is the more generic term.
Feel like it’s less about the masonry and more about how Brandwand sounds quite silly
True, thank you - I am at work and was typing that in a hurry before the next meeting, so that was indeed a bit off.