German Opposition Leader Promises Strict Border Policy Following Knife Attack

Sun Oct 19 2025 07:32:26 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In the wake of a deadly knife attack, the frontrunner for Germany's chancellorship pledges to reform border controls and asylum policies.

Following a tragic knife attack in Aschaffenburg, Friedrich Merz, the conservative opposition leader, vows immediate changes to Germany's border and asylum regulations, asserting the need to regain control over migration policies. The incident has stirred political tensions ahead of the looming elections, as leaders across the board call for a reassessment of immigration strategies.

In the aftermath of a horrific knife attack that left two dead, including a toddler, Friedrich Merz, the conservative opposition leader forecasted as a possible next chancellor, has proposed sweeping changes to Germany's immigration and border control policies. The incident, which occurred in Aschaffenburg and has drawn nationwide attention, involved a 28-year-old Afghan man who was already reportedly linked to previous violent acts and had been receiving psychiatric care.

In his urgent calls for reform, Merz indicated that he would effectively shut Germany's borders to irregular migrants upon taking office, including those eligible for protection. The tragic stabbings in Aschaffenburg, part of a worrying trend of violent incidents linked to asylum seekers in the country, prompted a rapid response from current Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who condemned the attack as an act of terror. However, officials have not yet established any terrorist motives.

Calling for immediate actions on day one of his potential leadership, Merz articulated a desire to overhaul the existing asylum and immigration framework, acknowledging, “We see before us the ruins of 10 years of misguided asylum and immigration policy in Germany.” He criticized existing EU asylum rules as “dysfunctional” and emphasized the need for Germany to prioritize its national laws over EU regulations.

The political atmosphere has been further inflamed by the presence of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which has seized on the topic of immigration to bolster its support, stressing the need for stricter measures and advocating for the closure of Germany’s borders. Their leader, Alice Weidel, called for parliamentary action following the Aschaffenburg attack.

While both Merz and Scholz have intensified their rhetoric on immigration, critics warn that such moves may lend credence to the far-right’s narrative, thereby complicating Germany's political landscape, especially as it heads toward elections on February 23. The upcoming elections could determine whether a coalition involving the Social Democrats or Green party can agree to the proposed stringent immigration changes Merz advocates. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser pushed back against political exploitation of the tragedy, urging caution against populist rhetoric that could harm the societal fabric.

As the nation grapples with the implications of the tragic attack, leaders highlight the importance of finding a balanced approach to immigration that respects human rights while ensuring public safety. The attack, while sparking urgent political discussions, underscores the ongoing challenges Germany faces regarding asylum and border management in a changing political landscape.