Merz aims to safeguard Germany's future, just like the CDU does.
When Germany's Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and CDU Leader Friedrich Merz get together, something's brewing, right? In the early hours, they meet up at the Chancellery. Post this, Merz chats with reporters solo, projecting a statesmanlike image. Yet, he also throws the Chancellor under the spotlight.
At an afternoon press conference, Merz's demeanor is intense. In the morning, he engaged with Scholz in private discussions about the violent incident in Solingen and its repercussions. Now, Merz shares that he offered cooperation to Scholz out of deep concern for the nation. In a composed tone, he paints Scholz as struggling to maintain control over his nation. "Germany's Federal Chancellor is losing grip on his country," Merz declares, and adds, "The foundation of trust is dwindling."
This loss of trust is evident in the survey results of the Traffic Light coalition, which has been in disarray for over a year. The SPD, Greens, and FDP face a possible disastrous outcome in the upcoming state elections in Thuringia and Saxony. The far-right AfD may emerge as the dominant force in both states, just as it did in East Germany in the European elections that followed a similar incident. A man with extremist views targeted people in Mannheim with a knife, and police officer Rouven Laur sacrificed his life in an attempt to stop him.
Merz's initiative seems to tap into a growing sentiment: Something needs to be done now, and we can't just move on to the next agenda item as if nothing happened. The complexity of the migration issue may contribute to this perception: There are a myriad of rules, rights, and lofty ideals to consider. Apart from the national level, EU law and the Geneva Refugee Convention also play a role. At times, the task can feel overwhelming, leading to the impression that there's little that can be done.
However, Merz disputes this perspective: "We are not elected to highlight challenges, but to confront them." If necessary, he is willing to amend the law. He asserts that history has shown that parties like the CDU and SPD have the power to tackle migration issues. Merz relayed this to Scholz, reminding him that the seats of the two leaders are expected to solve problems for an audience of 80 million Germans.
Scholz too acknowledges the need for action, as evidenced by his earlier pledge to tighten weapons laws and ramp up deportations following the Solingen incident. Merz, however, disagrees with Scholz's proposals, labeling them as contentious within the coalition.
Merz proposes a joint legislative initiative by the SPD and CDU to limit migration influx. Scholz and Merz should each nominate individuals to draft a "limited list" of potential legislative reforms within the CDU, a task assigned to Thorsten Frei, the First Parliamentary Managing Director. The Bundestag plans to discuss this from September 9th, during the budget week, with Merz setting aside half a day for Solingen and the related concerns.
Perspective: Potential coalition collapse
For any votes, Scholz ought to scrap party discipline, much like he did at the commencement of the legislative period during the coronavirus vaccine mandate vote. If the Union and SPD can sort things out, then Merz, Green Party, and FDP votes wouldn't be necessary. This would eventually lead to a coalition collapse. Merz clarified that his proposal wasn't an offer for cabinet membership. His proposal was genuine and had no connection to party strategies or the upcoming state elections in Thuringia and Saxony. Merz has already contemplated the practicalities of this situation. The Dublin Regulation should be implemented again, meaning asylum seekers must file their applications in the first EU country they entered. After Afghanistan and Syria, deportations should resume, even if it means dealing with "the devil" - dictators like Assad or the Taliban. However, Merz doesn't view deportations as the sole solution. The real solution lies in limiting the influx, as he stated. If this doesn't work, Germany should declare a national emergency under Article 74 of the EU's cooperation agreement. This would allow Germany to turn away asylum seekers at its borders. Currently, every asylum application must be processed. "Then German law trump's EU law," Merz said. "It's possible." If asylum seekers visit their home countries for vacations, they should no longer be eligible for asylum, Merz insisted. Those subject to deportation should no longer receive welfare. This is a difficult sell, Merz admitted. Merz proposed expanding the federal police's powers. They should no longer require certificates for personal checks. Internet IP addresses should be stored for police investigations. This isn't a new demand from the Union - they've been pursuing this goal for years. "These are things we need to change," Merz said. "And fast." Scholz asked for some time to consider, Merz reported. He hasn't accepted Merz's proposal yet - at least not publicly. Whether he will do so remains uncertain. If Scholz passes legislation in partnership with the Union and SPD, the coalition would officially end. If a party secures a majority elsewhere, it would signal the end for the existing alliance. However, the current situation is so dire that Merz's proposal could hold some appeal. After all, few expect the coalition to pull off anything like this again. By publicizing his demands immediately after their conversation, Merz is putting pressure on Scholz. If Scholz agrees, Merz will appear as the catalyst. If he doesn't, he will appear to be rejecting supposed solutions. Whether party politics truly plays no role at all, one can believe Merz or not. Merz also has his own party, the CDU, in mind. He wants migration to stop being a political hot potato in the upcoming year. Otherwise, all parties in the center will suffer. The CDU, "which we've worked so hard to rebuild," should not be dragged into the downward spiral of SPD, Greens, and FDP.
During the discussion about migration policies, Merz proposes a joint legislative initiative with Scholz, involving the SPD and CDU, to limit migration influx. The Traffic Light coalition, consisting of SPD, Greens, and FDP, has faced challenges in controlling migration, as evidenced by the potential disastrous outcome in Thuringia and Saxony's upcoming state elections, and the possibilities of the far-right AfD gaining dominance.
