Migration round agrees further consultations

What to do after the attack in Solingen? The traffic light coalition has put forward a proposal, but the Union will restrict migration much more. After a first joint round, it is clear: the talks will continue.

Berlin (dpa) – The traffic light coalition, the Union and the states want to continue the discussions on the topic of migration. This was stated by Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser (SPD) in a statement. “These were concentrated, open and constructive discussions. Now it is a matter of legally examining certain points that we discussed confidentially and then discussing them further. We have agreed on this.” The meeting was scheduled as a confidential discussion, and Faeser did not comment on the details of the content.

Participants talk about constructive discussions

“I am grateful for the serious and constructive discussion today,” said Faeser. “We want to continue this exchange quickly.” Lower Saxony’s Interior Minister Daniela Behrens (SPD) also spoke of a good process. You will see each other again next week. She has real hope that an agreement can be reached on broad measures, “also with great, broad support from all democratic forces.”

Before the meeting, union representatives had made it clear that the traffic light coalition’s announcements from last week, the so-called security package, had not gone far enough. They insisted on limiting irregular migration.

The «security package»

After the suspected Islamist-motivated knife attack in Solingen, the federal government presented a “security package” at short notice, which it believed should form the basis of the meeting. It provides for measures in three areas: a tougher approach to the repatriation of rejected asylum seekers in their countries of origin, steps to combat Islamist terror more decisively and tightening of gun laws.

It is planned, for example, that asylum seekers for whom another European country is responsible will no longer receive benefits in Germany – if that country is prepared to take them back (Dublin cases). There is also likely to be a ban on switchblades and easier exclusion from protection in Germany for migrants who have committed a crime. “We will present our draft law quickly and discuss it quickly in parliament,” announced Faeser.

Migration issue in state elections

The Union is trying to put pressure on the traffic light coalition, as is the AfD. Added to this are the election results in Saxony and Thuringia, where migration and internal security were important issues. The anti-immigration parties AfD and BSW were able to record successes, while the traffic light parties were punished. Trade union deputy Andrea Lindholz (CSU) warned before the meeting on Tuesday: “We must not have the feeling afterwards that this was only done because of the elections.”

The traffic light coalition has already decided on several tightening measures, such as easing deportations at the beginning of the year. In addition, Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) will present the results of an investigation by the end of the year into whether asylum procedures are possible in countries outside Europe.

After the federal-state round, Faeser said that the government’s measures to limit irregular migration were working and that the course should be continued. “There are a fifth fewer asylum applications than last year, a fifth more returns, more than 30,000 rejections at the German borders due to our internal border controls since October 2023. For the first time, we have deported dangerous criminals to Afghanistan.”

The FDP had also called for further steps before the meeting. “We need a fundamental reorganization of migration policy,” FDP Secretary General Bijan Djir-Sarai told the German Press Agency.

Concern at Pro Asyl

Among those taking part in the meeting on behalf of the federal government were Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD), Justice Minister Marco Buschmann (FDP) and Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens). Hesse represented the Union side for the states and Lower Saxony represented the SPD side. First Parliamentary Secretary Thorsten Frei (CDU) was present for the Union faction. Members of the traffic light factions were also present.

The refugee organization Pro Asyl had expressed concern before the meeting and appealed to the federal government not to take any unlawful measures. “The CDU must live up to its responsibility as a democratic party and must not further polarize the debate.” At the meeting, measures must be taken to strengthen democracy and social cohesion and prevent radicalization towards Islamism or right-wing extremism.

Federal government on the “security package”

Text of the “Security Package”

Representatives of the Union and the states met with traffic light representatives at the Federal Ministry of the Interior.

topicnews · September 3, 2024

Migration round agrees further consultations – Politics

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