Germany’s election race is heating up, and the man expected to become the next chancellor is making waves with his stance on immigration. Friedrich Merz, leading the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has promised to enforce stricter border controls and send back undocumented migrants if elected.

Merz, whose party holds a lead in the polls, recently pushed two migration-related bills in parliament. While one narrowly passed, the other failed, sparking debate. He stressed the need to “close the door to hell”—a dramatic phrase referencing unchecked migration. However, some members of his own party voted against the proposals, adding to the drama.

Immigration has become a hot-button issue in Germany, especially after a series of high-profile attacks linked to migrants. These incidents have pushed the topic to the forefront of the election campaign. Merz, however, insists his party’s policies are in line with Germany’s values, ruling out any cooperation with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD).

Despite the AfD’s support for one of his bills, Merz made it clear he won’t work with them, calling them a threat to Germany’s democratic foundation. He also addressed Elon Musk’s controversial support for the AfD, saying Musk is free to voice his opinions but stressing they don’t align with his party’s vision.

On international issues, Merz emphasized Germany’s commitment to Ukraine and NATO, while expressing caution about Donald Trump’s potential return to U.S. politics. He highlighted the need for European unity in handling any challenges from the U.S.

As the election nears, Merz’s focus on immigration and his firm stance against the far-right are shaping the campaign. Whether his promises will sway voters remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Germany’s political landscape is shifting—and Merz is at the center of it.