German chancellor slams opposition leader’s immigration plan

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has stated that the proposals by Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader Friedrich Merz to tighten immigration laws violate the country’s constitution.

He made the statement during a campaign event in Saarbrücken city, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

"When the opposition leader suggests that the chancellor should take actions that are incompatible with the constitution of this country and European agreements, it says something about his ability to hold a high office in Germany," Scholz said.

Earlier, Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany's Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has pledged to take a strong stance on illegal immigration if he becomes chancellor following next month's Bundestag elections. 

Merz announced plans to prevent entry to Germany for individuals without proper documentation and to ramp up deportations. His comments came a day after a stabbing in the Bavarian city of Aschaffenburg left two people dead, including a two-year-old boy, and three others injured.

The suspect, who has been apprehended, was a former asylum seeker. He was known to local authorities, had previously been admitted to a psychiatric hospital, and had reportedly stated over a month ago that he intended to leave the country voluntarily.

Merz described the attack as having "caused great consternation throughout the country" and connected it to other similar incidents as he outlined his new stance. In doing so, he subtly distanced himself from the actions of his CDU colleague, former Chancellor Angela Merkel, and her government's record.

By Naila Huseynova