Conservative frontrunner Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democrats has reaffirmed his principled rejection of cooperation with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), despite Wednesday's joint approval of a Bundestag motion on migration policy.

Did Friedrich Merz, the likely next chancellor, fall into a trap? Or is he forcing other mainstream parties to confront what many regard as the new reality — a harder, less welcoming Germany?

Germany’s likely next chancellor wants tougher migration measures even with AfD support, triggering a fierce pre-election debate.

On Wednesday, with the support of the Alternative for Germany, the Christian Democrats passed a motion on migration policy through the Bundestag which abrogates fundamental constitutional principles and European law.

The CDU party chief, who leads in the polls to become the next chancellor, said he would collect votes from all parties to push his five-point migration plan through parliament despite Chancellor Olaf Scholz's strong opposition.

Chancellor Scholz says rival Merz joining forces with far-right party in parliament to introduce stricter migration legislation ahead of Feb. 23 elections - Anadolu Ajansı

Friedrich Merz, the frontrunner to become chancellor in February's election, is making waves by agreeing to work with the far-right AfD on immigration rules.

Comparing Friedrich Merz to Viktor Orban is more of a compliment than an insult, State Secretary Zoltan Kovacs wrote.

For the first time, a resolution in the Bundestag has achieved a majority with the assistance of the far-right AfD. The party voted in favour of the migration plans put forward by the Christian Democrats and their candidate for chancellor.

After German parliament passed a conservative motion aimed at toughening immigration rules with the help of the far-right AfD, we asked people living in Germany what they think about it.

The former chancellor's comments come after the CDU put forward a proposal which was supported by the far-right AfD.