German Opposition Leader Advocates Stringent Border Controls Following Knife Attack

In the wake of a deadly knife attack that left two individuals dead in Aschaffenburg, Friedrich Merz, the Conservative opposition leader, calls for permanent border controls and reforms to Germany's asylum policies, aiming to curb irregular immigration.

Following a devastating knife attack in Aschaffenburg that resulted in the deaths of a two-year-old boy and a 41-year-old man, Friedrich Merz, the conservative opposition leader poised to lead Germany after the upcoming elections, is advocating for significant reforms to the nation's border and asylum policies. The attack, which also left several others injured, has intensified calls for decisive government action against irregular immigration.

The Afghan suspect, a 28-year-old man who was reportedly linked to previous violent incidents, had been residing in asylum accommodation after arriving in Germany in 2022 and was undergoing psychiatric treatment prior to the attack. Prosecutors are now deciding whether to remand him into custody or temporarily place him in a psychiatric facility.

In response to the stabbings, Chancellor Olaf Scholz labeled the incident as an “act of terror,” although authorities have not confirmed any links to terrorist motives. Merz, meanwhile, has emphasized that the increasing frequency of violent incidents should not be accepted as the new normal, insisting that immediate measures must be taken to secure Germany's borders.

On his first day in office, Merz vowed to instruct the interior ministry to take permanent control over Germany's borders, criticizing past asylum policies as misguided. He defended his proposal to close borders to all irregular migrants, asserting that it was essential for safeguarding public safety. Additionally, he proposed enhancing the number of detention centers available for deportations.

Merz’s hardline stance reflects a growing political landscape in Germany that is increasingly sensitive to immigration concerns—especially with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party consistently polling high. The AfD has made immigration a focal point of their campaign, with its leader calling for immediate parliamentary votes to close borders.

As both leaders navigate the consequences of the tragedy, critics warn that reacting to such incidents with extreme measures may bolster support for extremist parties. Collaborating on effective immigration policy is expected to be complex, especially if Merz finds himself needing to partner with the Social Democrats or Green party.

The tragic sequence of events in Aschaffenburg has left the community in mourning, where the bravery of the man who intervened during the attack has been praised. The call for a serious discussion on immigration and public safety is becoming more urgent as the elections approach.