Friedrich Merz, the conservative opposition leader in Germany, has promised significant changes to border and asylum policies following a deadly knife attack in Aschaffenburg that left two dead, including a two-year-old boy. The Afghan suspect, who had a history of violence, was linked to previous attacks involving asylum seekers. Merz aims to close Germany's borders to irregular migrants and criticized past asylum policies. The incident has intensified discussions on immigration, with the far-right AfD party gaining traction. Critics warn that a shift to the right by mainstream parties may strengthen the AfD's position. Vollständiger Artikel (bbc.com europe)