Ulrich Lechte, a foreign policy expert for the Free Democratic Party (FDP), has justified his abstention from the CDU/CSU-backed motion passed by the German Bundestag, criticizing both the content and the approach. “A positive vote on the CDU/CSU faction’s proposal would in effect mean the introduction of permanent border controls and thus violate the binding Schengen Agreement, which is rooted in international law” Lechte told the “Tagesspiegel” (Thursday edition).
“This would not be compatible with national or European law – and the CDU/CSU itself does not explicitly demand this in its proposal. It was a mere showcase proposal and I did not support it. Instead, I abstained” Lechte said.
“It is no coincidence that the AfD offered to be the majority supporter of this motion” Lechte stated. “This proposal is the axe to the European freedom of movement. This is neither justifiable in terms of content nor procedure for me. Building a majority with the AfD is unacceptable to me. Right-wing extremists should never be the swing vote in the German Bundestag. We promised to prevent this after the collapse of the grand coalition and I will hold to that promise.