On January 28, 2025, Friedrich Merz, the Union's chancellor candidate, unveiled plans for strict migration policies in the Bundestag, disregarding prior agreements with the SPD regarding cooperation with the AfD.

Despite facing backlash, the AfD has indicated a willingness to support Merz's proposals, raising concerns about the potential for a parliamentary majority reliant on their votes.

Özdemir criticized the CDU's current approach, likening it to the political climate of 1933, suggesting a troubling lack of resolve against neo-Nazi sentiments.

There are growing fears within the Union about the erosion of boundaries with the AfD, drawing parallels to the political shifts seen in Austria.

Union leaders, including Andrea Lindholz, dismissed the SPD's focus on the AfD as a distraction, arguing that significant past decisions should not be overlooked in current discussions.

In response, the SPD has reiterated its refusal to cooperate with the AfD, emphasizing a long-standing slogan of 'No cooperation with Nazis'.

Lang supported Fegebank's views, arguing against the false dichotomy of being either pro-security or anti-right extremism, and called for an end to extreme policy approaches like those seen in Austria.

This week also marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz concentration camp, underscoring the importance of historical context in current political discussions.

The Green Party has expressed concerns about the impact of the Union's proposals on public safety and the rule of law, warning against a shift towards far-right policies.

The SPD leaders emphasized that the boundaries of acceptable policy have already been compromised at the municipal level and should not extend to state or federal levels.

This election campaign has reached a pivotal moment that could determine the success of one party and the failure of another.

Wüst acknowledged that while all individuals, including migrants, must adhere to laws, the majority of migrants are law-abiding, countering prevalent stereotypes.