Germany's migration reform vote stalls amid coalition split

A hardline migration reform package pushed by Chancellor Friedrich Merz's CDU/CSU has been put on hold in the Bundestag after coalition partner FDP moved to send the bill back to committee, with SPD support for the delay. The CDU/CSU had reportedly been willing to pass the package even if it meant relying on votes from the far-right AfD, a prospect that triggered alarm among coalition allies.

The episode highlights the difficult position facing centrist and centre-right parties across Europe: whether to accept support from harder-right blocs to pass popular restrictive measures, or to delay action and risk public frustration over unresolved migration policy. The outcome of the committee process will shape the tone of Germany's migration debate heading into the autumn.