Merz suggests testing out a border denial policy temporally.
Following the unsuccessful meeting about creating a new asylum policy, CDU leader Norbert Merz puts forth a fresh proposal to the traffic light coalition: They should test denying unauthorized migrants at the borders for a duration of three months and then assess the situation. Additional discussions with Lindner, Habeck, and Scholz are also possible.
As the conversation progresses concerning stricter asylum regulations, CDU leader Norbert Merz has unveiled a new approach for the traffic light administration: The abrupt dismissals of migrants at the borders that he advocates for should be implemented for three months, he shared with the Funke media group. Dismissals at German borders are "the sole short-term effective method to halt irregular immigration into Germany," he stated. "In case the traffic light coalition finds it challenging to endorse this, then I propose we execute these dismissals from October 1st for a trio of months initially." The mere impact of this action would significantly curb the influx to Germany in the most expedient manner, Merz asserted. A review should then ensue after three months, he said. The federal government might then acknowledge that this method is the appropriate course of action.
Talks between the Union and the federal government, in addition to state representatives, concerning migration policy broke down this week. Merz insisted on complete dismissals of migrants at the border - including asylum seekers. The government voiced reservations about this proposal and alluded to the precedents set by the European Court of Justice.
Merz is now open to engaging in a fresh dialogue with the traffic light legislature. He mentioned a proposal from FDP leader Christian Lindner. The latter had suggested talks with Lindner himself, Chancellor Olaf Scholz of the SPD, and Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck of the Greens on Tuesday. Merz expressed his readiness to participate. FDP deputy faction leader Christoph Meyer now views Scholz as the person accountable for making the following move: "I hope that the federal chancellor will invite the traffic light and the Union to further discussions soon," he shared with the "Tagesspiegel".
Green coalition and Juso leaders displeased
Green coalition leader Robert Habeck expressed discontent with Merz's proposal for a three-month trial period. "He stands up and insists that his perspective is the only correct one," complained Habeck concerning Merz on Welt TV. "There's no collaborative approach to finding solutions." Habeck highlighted the Austrian interior minister, who had declared that Austria would not take back the dismissed refugees. Consequently, there are practical issues. "It's Europe. We need to discuss things among ourselves, unite, and can't just carry out an experiment that runs counter to the interests of neighboring countries," cautioned Habeck, the Green Coalition leader.
Bavaria's interior minister, Joachim Herrmann, immediately refuted the Austrian announcement. "It's not about whether Austria will accept someone, but whether Germany will deny entry to someone." If Germany denies entry, the individual remains in the neighboring country and has not entered, the CSU politician explained. "In that event, the issue for Austria is not whether they want to 'accept someone back'."
Juso leader Francisco Uribe strongly criticized the Union's stance. Merz aims to "sacrifice the fundamental principles of our asylum law to the populist masses" and bolster the AfD, Uribe told the "Frankfurter Rundschau". The traffic light government, in turn, is "being pressured into a competition of harshness towards refugees." That is "disastrous."
In response to Merz's proposal for a three-month trial of border dismissals, Green Coalition leader Robert Habeck voiced concerns about a lack of collaborative approach and potential practical issues with neighboring countries. Meanwhile, Juso leader Francisco Uribe criticized the Union for potentially sacrificing asylum law principles to appease populist sentiments and pressuring the traffic light government into harshness towards refugees.
