German bill calling for tougher rules on migration narrowly defeated

Germany has blocked a bill calling for tougher rules on migration after a close vote in the country's parliament.

The legislation was put forward by the country's opposition leader, Freidrich Merz, who has called for Germany to tighten migration controls after a series of high-profile killings by people with immigrant backgrounds.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz said his party, the Social Democrats, and the Greens - partners in his minority government - would vote against the proposal.

But the bill had the support of both Germany's conservatives and the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD).

If the bill had made it through, it would have marked the first time in Germany's post-war history that its parliament had passed legalisation thanks to far-right support.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said his party would vote against the proposal. Pic: Reuters
Image: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said his party would vote against the proposal. Pic: Reuters

The bill called for Germany to turn back many more migrants at its borders and would have given police increased powers to carry out deportations.

Today's decision comes after a non-binding motion on the matter passed thanks to the AfD on Wednesday.

Centre-left parties have accused opposition leader Mr Merz of breaking a political consensus to shun the AfD, which first entered parliament in 2017.

Информация на этой странице взята из источника: https://news.sky.com/story/german-bill-calling-for-tougher-rules-on-migration-narrowly-defeated-13300101