- Hesse exhibits cautious optimism regarding migration discussions.
The federal representatives at today's migration meeting in Berlin, led by Hessian Interior Minister Roman Poseck from the Christian Democrats, are expressing a cautious optimism but also asserting the need for action. Poseck stated, "The democratic center is under pressure to act. The current proposals from the traffic light government fall short. We need a genuine shift in migration policy, focusing on limiting refugee access."
According to Poseck, it's too late to address the issue once refugees have already entered Germany; the burden on both the state and society is unchanged. He finds it intriguing that "the word 'border'" is absent from the traffic light party's documents. The Union side, he noted, will present numerous proposals during the Berlin talks that will place the right emphasis, as they significantly lower refugee access opportunities. Poseck hopes that the political center's power can resolve the migration issue collectively, but he feels that the traffic light coalition will need to take action today for that to happen.
In the past, Poseck has also requested a more comprehensive definition of safe countries for deportations. He cited examples like Syria and Afghanistan, which currently do not qualify as safe countries but may require a reevaluation. A ruling from the Higher Administrative Court in Münster indicates that refugees from Syria no longer require supplementary protection in Germany, as civil war has significantly subsided in many parts of the country.
Recently, Hessian Prime Minister Boris Rhein (CDU) demanded a transformation in migration policy. Likewise, he called for repatriations at the borders, an increased number of safe countries for asylum, and asylum proceedings in third countries. Rhein added, "Deportations should also be possible to Afghanistan and Syria. Citizenship should be revoked from criminals and potential offenders, and detention and deportation possibilities should be extended."
Several federal ministers, including Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD), Federal Justice Minister Marco Buschmann (FDP), and Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens), will be attending the migrant meeting in Berlin, representing the federal government. In addition to Poseck, the states will be represented by the SPD side, with Lower Saxony leading the charge.
Poseck suggested that a shift in migration policy should focus on limiting refugee access, which could potentially involve strengthening borders or expanding the list of safe countries for deportations. In some cases, like Syria and Afghanistan, a reevaluation of these countries' safety status may be necessary. Additionally, meadows around urban areas could serve as potential temporary housing locations for asylum seekers, easing the strain on cities and providing them with ample green spaces.
