The bill, presented by the previous government, aimed to make it possible to apply for naturalization after three years instead of five for people who had demonstrated that they had integrated particularly well.

In Germany, too, immigration continues to be a topic of debate. On Wednesday, the German parliament rejected a bill introduced by the previous government that aimed to facilitate the acquisition of nationality, illustrating the growing tension on the issue in the country.

The measure was intended to make it possible to apply for naturalization after three years instead of five for people who had demonstrated that they had integrated particularly well. The bill was introduced by the previous government, led by the Social Democrats (SPD), who hoped that this would attract more foreign workers to industrial jobs.

Between recognition of successful integration and incentives for immigration

But Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who came to power in May with a coalition led by the center-right Christian Democrats, had pledged to reverse the bill in the name of combating illegal immigration.

Shortly before the parliamentary vote, Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt indicated that the government intended to send a "clear signal." "The German passport will be issued in recognition of successful integration and not as an incentive for illegal immigration," he said.

The shadow of the AfD

Friedrich Merz's coalition has taken a hard line on immigration in an effort to combat the growing popularity of the far-right AfD party, which came second in February's general election.

Opinion towards immigration has hardened in recent years in Germany, particularly in regions where critics believe it puts a strain on public services.

Social Democrats vote against their own bill

In total, 450 MPs voted to reject the bill, including those from the SPD and AfD, compared to 134 who were in favour.

The SPD, a minority partner in the coalition led by Friedrich Merz, justified its position by the fact that the accelerated naturalization procedure was rarely used.

The new government has nevertheless retained key elements of the immigration programme carried by the previous coalition.

In particular, it increased the minimum number of years after which a migrant can apply for naturalization from eight to five, and authorized dual nationality in most cases.