The motion was backed by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and other smaller parties with 348 votes in favour, 345 against and 10 abstentions.

The leader of the conservative opposition block - CDU (Christian Democrats in Germany) and the Christian Social Union (CSU) - presented the bill prior to the elections which will take place, February 23, as it will allow him to take the lead on migration policy, while breaking with a long tradition of non-cooperation with the far right.

After the vote, the CDU leader offered to hold new talks on migration with the Social Democrats (SPD) and the Green Party ahead of another migration-related vote scheduled for January 31 2025.