As Germany prepares for its national elections next month, one of the most pressing issues on the political agenda is migration. With a significant number of migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers calling Germany home, the political parties have presented differing views on how to manage migration, integration, and border control. Here’s a closer look at the ideologies of the major political parties regarding migrants and migration.
1. Christian Democratic Union (CDU)
The CDU, led by Chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz, traditionally takes a more conservative stance on migration. The party advocates for a controlled immigration system that prioritizes skilled labor and integration. The CDU supports measures to tighten border security while emphasizing the need for migrants to adapt to German values. While it is open to skilled migration to fill labor gaps, it calls for stricter regulations on asylum seekers and refugees, with a focus on reducing irregular migration.
2. Social Democratic Party (SPD)
The SPD, Germany’s center-left party, takes a more inclusive approach to migration. The SPD believes that migration is essential to Germany’s economy and supports policies that promote integration and social cohesion. They advocate for easier access to work permits for migrants and refugees, as well as better integration programs that offer language courses, vocational training, and cultural education. The SPD also calls for the protection of refugees under international law and a more humane asylum process.
3. The Greens (Bündnis 90/Die Grünen)
The Greens have a progressive stance on migration, emphasizing human rights and climate-induced migration. They support open borders for refugees fleeing conflict or climate change, advocating for a more inclusive asylum policy. The Greens also push for a reformed European asylum system that ensures fair distribution of refugees across EU countries. Additionally, they promote policies that allow greater social mobility for migrants, ensuring they can access education, healthcare, and employment opportunities without discrimination.
4. Free Democratic Party (FDP)
The FDP takes a more market-oriented approach to migration, advocating for a merit-based immigration system that prioritizes highly skilled workers and entrepreneurs. The party supports lowering barriers for skilled migrants while ensuring that integration programs are robust and focused on enabling migrants to contribute to Germany’s economy. The FDP also emphasizes digital migration solutions, such as the use of technology to streamline immigration processes and improve the efficiency of asylum procedures.
5. Alternative for Germany (AfD)
The AfD, a far-right populist party, holds a more restrictive and nationalistic view on migration. The party opposes mass immigration and advocates for stricter border controls to prevent the entry of asylum seekers and migrants. The AfD has called for a complete halt to immigration from countries outside the EU, particularly from regions they consider to have incompatible cultural values. They argue that migration puts a strain on Germany’s welfare system and social fabric and believe that integration efforts should be minimal.
6. The Left (Die Linke)
Die Linke, Germany’s far-left party, advocates for open borders and a welcoming migration policy. The party opposes deportations and calls for easier access to asylum for refugees and migrants, particularly from conflict zones. Die Linke believes in equal rights for all migrants, including access to healthcare, education, and housing. They also argue that Germany should play a larger role in addressing the root causes of migration, such as global inequality and climate change.
7. Christian Social Union (CSU)
The CSU, a conservative party based in Bavaria, shares many of the CDU’s views on migration but tends to adopt an even more restrictive stance. They advocate for stronger border controls and measures to limit asylum seekers and migrants from non-EU countries. The CSU supports policies that prioritize family reunification for migrants already in Germany but is critical of uncontrolled immigration and migrant welfare programs.
Migration remains a key issue in the 2025 German national election, with each political party offering distinct solutions. While some parties advocate for stricter controls and a more selective approach to immigration, others emphasize the importance of migration for economic growth and cultural diversity. As voters head to the polls next month, the future of Germany’s migration policy will be shaped by the outcome of this critical election.