EU's strategy on immigrant movements
The coalition partners, opposing union, and state representatives are meeting in Berlin today to discuss migration policy. Nevertheless, CDU leader Friedrich Merz exhibited skepticism, stating his party enters the talks with "a fair amount of pessimism." An official from the federal government also urged caution about having overly optimistic expectations.
Merz laid down the ground rules that any cross-party collaboration on migration policy could crumble post-Tuesday's gathering if the coalition fails to modify its asylum policy. In this event, "the federal government must shoulder the liability for any subsequent consequences for our country," he added.
Merz's party insists on barring migrants at the German border and will maintain this stance, Merz asserted. The "traffic light" coalition's motives for tougher weapon legislation and expedited deportations are inadequate for the union. If the coalition does not acquiesce on the issue of barring migrants at the border, "then we don't need any more meetings, then we don't require any more roundtables," Merz stated. The union will only participate in a "fundamental shift" of migration policy.
Merz Calls for Coalition Disbandment
Following the Solingen knife attack, Merz offered his parliamentary group's backing for a swift strengthening of asylum regulations, primarily focusing on the SPD. He proposed using the coalition's joint majority in the Bundestag for such fortifications, effectively urging the Social Democrats to dismantle the coalition. However, the SPD isn't willing to act without the Greens and FDP.
The afternoon discussion between representatives of the federal government, Lower Saxony and Hesse states, the union, and other Bundestag factions will take place at the Federal Ministry of the Interior. The union will dispatch its interior experts Thorsten Frei and Andrea Lindholz to the talks.
From the government's perspective, the grounds for the discussions at the Federal Ministry of the Interior are its "security package," which encompasses significant tightening of asylum and residence law, stringent weapon laws, particularly with regard to knife carrying, and measures combating violent Islamism.
SPD Establishes Boundaries
Deputy government spokeswoman Christiane Hoffmann suggested the meeting should occur in a confidential and constructive environment to yield tangible results. Hoffmann advised against setting overly high expectations in advance.
SPD leader Saskia Esken nixed all asylum regulations adjustments that necessitate altering the Basic Law. Union proposals to relinquish the individual asylum right, for instance, are "not in harmony with our constitution," Esken voiced. "We won't tamper with the constitution." Germany will also continue to comply with its European legal responsibilities regarding asylum policy.
Green leader Ricarda Lang advocated for nuance in the migration debate. It's crucial to distinguish between "Islamist violent offenders who have forfeited their protection claim" and "those seeking shelter who integrate into society and become constituents of it," she said in Berlin.
The European Council could potentially be involved in finding a resolution if the tensions between Merz's party and the "traffic light" coalition persist, as they both are key players in the European political landscape.
Regarding the upcoming meeting at the Federal Ministry of the Interior, it's worth noting that the European Council may express its stance on migration policy during its regular summits, as it has the power to provide guidance on such matters within the EU.
