Kai Wegner satisfied with MPK resolutions: "First steps"
Unlike his party, Berlin's Governing Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) has expressed his satisfaction with the resolutions of the Minister Presidents' Conference. "These are the first important steps," Wegner said in Berlin on Tuesday. All state premiers and the federal government had made it clear that a change of course was needed in asylum policy.
Before the conference, it was important to him that the federal government should contribute to the refugee costs. Wegner was pleased that the federal government was now relieving the states and local authorities of around 3.5 billion. He also expects significant relief for the state of Berlin. Wegner also supported the agreements regarding a payment card, border controls and repatriations.
The CDU and CSU had criticized the MPK resolutions on migration as disappointing and inadequate. "The crucial thing is that the numbers have to come down. And whether they will actually go down with these measures, I have a big question mark over that," said CDU leader Friedrich Merz in Berlin on Tuesday. NRW Minister President Hendrik Wüst (CDU) added: "It's a first step, yes, but it's not the big one."
Kai Wegner highlighted the significance of the federal government's decision to assume a portion of the refugee costs, which he considered a crucial step for municipalities and states dealing with financial strain. The federal government agreed to alleviate around 3.5 billion euros from the states and local authorities.
Similarly, the recent MPK resolutions on migration have received criticism from some federal states, with the CDU leader, Friedrich Merz, expressing doubts about whether the proposed measures will effectively reduce the migrant numbers. Merz stated, "I have a big question mark over whether they will actually go down with these measures."
Nevertheless, Kai Wegner continues to support the resolutions, especially agreements on the use of a payment card, border controls, and repatriations, making it clear that these measures are essential for the future development of the country's migration policy, involving the coordination between the federal government and federal states.
Source: www.dpa.com
