BERLIN (AP) — Germany’s parliament is expected to vote Friday on an opposition bill calling for tougher rules on migration that could become the first legislation to pass thanks to a far-right party — adding to a controversy about the attitude of the front-runner in Germany’s upcoming election toward the far right.

On Wednesday, Merz pushed through a non-binding motion in favour of an immigration crackdown with support from the AfD, breaking with Germany’s tradition of consensus-driven, centrist politics. Many fear it will only further embolden the far right.

German conservative leader Friedrich Merz is set to take his hard-line immigration push to the next level despite a growing backlash over his move this week to force a resolution through parliament with backing from the far right.

Friedrich Merz, the front-runner to become Germany’s next chancellor, relied on votes from the far-right AfD to push an anti-migration motion through parliament.

Germany's parliament could pass a law thanks to far-right support for the first time in the country's post-war history on Friday, if an opposition motion on tightening immigration controls passes with the backing of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.

Germany’s likely next chancellor wants tougher migration measures even with AfD support, triggering a fierce pre-election debate.

Chancellor Scholz says rival Merz joining forces with far-right party in parliament to introduce stricter migration legislation ahead of Feb. 23 elections - Anadolu Ajansı

CDU-Chef Friedrich Merz wird trotz der zunehmenden Kritik an seinem Vorstoß in dieser Woche, einen Antrag mit Unterstützung der AfD durch den Bundestag zu bringen, seinen harten Kurs in Sachen Migration fortsetzen.

Social Democrat Scholz warns that Merz's proposal for permanent border controls would violate EU law, damage the economy, and threaten stability - Anadolu Ajansı

The CDU party chief, who leads in the polls to become the next chancellor, said he would collect votes from all parties to push his five-point migration plan through parliament despite Chancellor Olaf Scholz's strong opposition.

CDU leader Friedrich Merz may need support in the Bundestag from the AfD, a move that has attracted wide condemnation.