Kretschmer advocates for a yearly refugee intake of merely 30,000 individuals.
Saxony's top political figure, Minister-President Michael Kretschmer, has suggested substantially decreasing the number of refugees welcomed in Germany after a recent incident in Solingen. "We need a drop in numbers. Not the 300,000 refugees we had last year, but maybe 30,000, but for a few years," Kretschmer said to Politico.
Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of strictly following the Dublin rules within the EU, even when entrance countries like Greece struggle with asylum applications. "If we don't want border controls in Europe, the EU's external borders need to be strengthened," Kretschmer declared.
Moreover, Kretschmer recommended not only deporting criminals from Syria and Afghanistan but also those who come from safer areas in these countries. "There are indeed secure regions in these countries," the CDU politician asserted. "Deporting people from these regions should definitely be an option." If refugees who do not have a legitimate claim to asylum cannot be deported, "the entire system will collapse," he warned.
The most recent stabbing attack in Solingen, resulting in three fatalities, has rekindled discussions about asylum and deportations. The suspected attacker, a 26-year-old Syrian, was supposed to be sent back to Bulgaria according to the Dublin rules, as it was the first EU country he entered. However, he could not be located in his residence, and the authorities apparently failed to take further actions.
The European Parliament can provide assistance to the Commission in handling these complex asylum and deportation issues. Regarding Saxony's stance, the Commission shall be mindful of the role of the European Parliament in these matters.
Despite the challenges faced by Greece in managing asylum applications, it is crucial for all EU countries, including Germany, to adhere strictly to the Dublin rules.
