Merz proposes a fresh deal on expulsion to Scholz
The events in Solingen prompted a reunion of political figures, with Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Friedrich Merz holding meetings in Berlin. Previously, in the autumn, they had discussed migration, though Scholz didn't extend his cooperation as much as Merz had anticipated at the time.
Sources from the CDU circle report that Merz reiterated his proposal for collaborating on immigration-related matters, such as deportations and immigration limits. Scholz, on the other hand, requested more time to ponder over the matter. Merz suggested they continue their discussion in a private setting, but it was unclear if the meeting, which focused on the impact of the deadly stabbing incident in Solingen, yielded any tangible outcomes.
Following the meeting, Merz briefed the CDU presidium via video conference, pledging to make an official statement regarding the discussions at 3:00 PM in Berlin.
Merz proposed a partnership with the traffic light government in migration policy in response to the stabbing incident and presented a set of demands. These included barring refugees from Syria and Afghanistan and enabling the expulsion of rejected asylum seekers to these countries. However, Merz left the specifics of implementing such measures unclear. Already, FDP Justice Minister Buschmann had expressed concerns about the legality of such a ban on admissions.
Government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit emphasized that proposals must not infringe upon the Basic Law, the UN Human Rights Charter, or similar regulations. Any potential agreements should be "reasonable and aimed at achieving specific goals."
On the previous day, Scholz announced his intention to expedite weapons law reforms and expressed optimism about smoothly navigating the process in the Bundestag. Following the suspected terrorist attack in Solingen, suggestions for enhancing security measures to prevent similar incidents have surfaced in politics and the general public.
No agreement reached at the previous summit
Scholz and Merz had talked about migration prior to a migration summit involving federal and state governments during the autumn. However, Merz, as the CDU/CSU parliamentary group leader, criticized the agreement on reducing refugee figures and the collaborative measures proposed by Scholz and the minister presidents, and declined further cooperation.
Scholz declined to establish a joint team responsible for controlling immigration, asserting, "From my perspective, the Germany Pact on Migration is concluded at this point." This statement was made in early November 2023.
The Commission, likely referring to the German government or a specific migration commission, did not make a decision on Merz's immigration-related proposals during their private meeting. After the meeting, Merz discussed the discussions with the CDU presidium, suggesting a potential statement at 3:00 PM in Berlin.
