Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the likely next chancellor, stated on Monday that his party does not intend to close borders despite campaign promises calling for stricter immigration controls.

“None of us are talking about border closures. No one. Although this was claimed at times during the election campaign. None of us will close the border,” Merz said.

The CDU ran on policies aimed at tightening immigration measures, including increasing border checks and turning away individuals attempting to enter illegally without processing their asylum claims.

Merz previously pledged to implement significant changes to border enforcement. In a speech in January, he said, “On the first day of my tenure as chancellor, I will instruct the interior ministry to impose permanent border controls with all our neighbors and refuse all attempts at illegal entry," per Politico.

He also proposed an “effective entry ban” for those lacking valid travel documents, including asylum seekers. His proposed measures include granting federal police greater authority to issue arrest warrants and detaining individuals scheduled for deportation. “There will be fundamental changes to the laws governing entry, asylum, and residence in Germany,” he stated.

During the campaign, Merz’s openness to a non-binding “five-point plan” for stricter border enforcement, which the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) supported, drew considerable attention, the Guardian reported. However, he has since reiterated that the CDU will not form a coalition with the AfD.

As concerns grow over US commitment to European security, Merz has called for Germany to take a more proactive role. He has suggested discussions with France and the United Kingdom on nuclear defense and has emphasized, “Germany must take charge in Europe.”

The AfD secured between 19.5 percent and 20 percent of the vote in Sunday’s election, according to exit polls. This marks a significant increase in support for the party, strengthening its influence in German politics.

“We have achieved a historic result,” AfD’s top candidate Alice Weidel told supporters at the party’s election night event in Berlin. She stated that the party is now “firmly anchored” in Germany’s political landscape, according to the BBC.

Meanwhile, Chancellor Olaf Scholz and his Social Democrats (SPD) suffered a major defeat, placing third with 16-16.5 percent of the vote. Scholz acknowledged the loss, calling the results “bitter” and taking responsibility for the outcome. “We have to acknowledge we have lost the election... This result is worse, and I am responsible for that too,” he said.