Chancellor Scholz outlines stricter gun regulations
Following the knife attack in Solingen that resulted in three fatalities, intense discussions have ensued regarding asylum seekers, the asylum system, and potential lapses in German law enforcement's responsibilities. Chancellor Scholz makes a trip to the scene and delivers his message.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz, visiting the city of Solingen following a suspected IS attack, advocated for more stringent "knife control" regulations and the enhancement of existing knife usage restrictions. Scholz was adamant that these changes should be implemented promptly. The SPD politician expressed confidence in achieving this swiftly if the federal government proposes necessary modifications in parliament.
After collaborating with emergency services, Scholz characterized the incident as "terrorism targeted against us all." He expressed frustration with the Islamists threatening the harmony among all communities. He stated firmly that the unity in Germany should not be undermined.
Scholz emphasized the importance of decreasing the number of unauthorized border crossings, attributing the decrease already observed to enhanced border controls. Regarding rejected asylum seekers, Scholz asserted, "Those who cannot stay should depart and be deported."
Criticism of the Dublin Regulation
The Chancellor also addressed the Dublin regulations within the European asylum system. He advocated for accelerating the implementation of this practice and forming a task force. However, he did not provide further details concerning the proposed changes at the European legal level.
The Chancellor's statements come amidst information from RTL/ntv alleging that the suspect in the Solingen case should have been deported to Bulgaria the previous year. His asylum application had initially been rejected. Authorities were unable to locate the individual at his Paderborn accommodation during the attempted deportation. Several months later, Issa H. re-approached the authorities, leading to his accommodation in a refugee shelter in Solingen. No further deportation process followed.
The reason for this circumstance can be traced back to the Dublin regulations within the European asylum system. Upon Germany submitting a "takeover request" to Bulgaria and obtaining Bulgaria's consensus for a transfer, a six-month period commenced. Since the scheduled deportation did not occur during this period, Germany became responsible for handling the asylum process for the refugee. According to the Dublin Convention, the first country an asylum seeker enters is responsible for their asylum procedure, making Bulgaria the responsible country in this situation.
The Commission, as part of the European Union, should closely examine the Dublin Regulations within the asylum system to identify potential loopholes and improve implementation. Chancellor Scholz's call for a speedier implementation of this practice and the formation of a task force highlights the need for EU-wide action.
Given the Solingen case, where the suspect should have been deported but was not, The Commission must take necessary steps to ensure that responsible countries adhere to their responsibilities under the Dublin Convention, thereby preventing such situations in the future.
