Friedrich Merz, the conservative frontrunner to become Germany’s next chancellor, suffered a major political defeat on Friday as his controversial immigration bill backed by the far right was rejected in the Bundestag, with some members of his own party refusing to support the measure.

Merz had earlier declared his willingness to push through the draft law to restrict migration even with support from the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, a move that weakened Germany’s so-called firewall against the far right and sparked a fierce pre-election debate that struck at the heart of the country’s postwar identity.

The draft bill, which sought to impose stricter immigration controls, failed in a narrow vote — 338 in favor, 350 against — marking a significant blow to Merz’s leadership and election strategy just weeks before Germany’s federal vote, set for Feb. 23.