A car ramming attack in Munich has reignited the debate on migration ahead of Germany’s parliamentary elections, which will be held in just ten days. The suspect, Farhad N, 24, who came to Germany from Afghanistan in 2016 seeking asylum, is accused of carrying out a violent incident.
The case highlights the controversy surrounding Germany’s migration policy, with the far-right AfD party gaining support over the past year due to several violent incidents linked to migrants. The debate has become increasingly polarized, with mainstream politicians taking harder lines on migration.
Friedrich Merz, the frontrunner for the centre-right Christian Democrats, wants to close Germany’s borders to all asylum seekers, which critics argue undermines EU law and contradicts the German constitution. Others warn that anti-migrant rhetoric can legitimize far-right ideas and boost support for the AfD, polling at over 20%.
The attack in Munich is expected to dominate the final week of the election campaign, with migration and public safety taking center stage. The incident has left six people dead and over 299 injured, prompting a national conversation about the country’s response to migration and violence.
As the election approaches, Germany’s politicians must navigate this sensitive issue, balancing tough rhetoric on borders with concerns about undermining EU law and legitimizing far-right ideas.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0jn09g41dyo