Merz, leader of the Christian Democrats, had sought to restrict immigration rules with the support of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. The bill fell short of 12 votes on Friday. Twelve MPs from Merz’s parliamentary group were absent.

Despite the defeat on Friday in the German parliament of his proposed immigration law, conservative leader Friedrich Merz sees himself and his faction in a stronger position. "I also see myself very much strengthened by what we in the faction decided this week,

The Bundestag has rejected the CDU/CSU bill on limiting immigration. As noted by the media, this is a painful defeat for Friedrich Merz, who aimed to gain the support of the conservative electorate before the elections with this bill.