Prepared to Implement "Strict Pragmatism in Immigration Matters" by FDP
The opposition leader Merz demands a stricter immigration and asylum policy following the incident in Solingen. He suggests drafting laws with the SPD, even without the other coalition partners if necessary. Now, the FDP is voiceing their sentiments.
The FDP supports a significant transformation in immigration and asylum policies, collaborating with the Union, in response to the knife attack in Solingen. As stated by party leader Christian Lindner to "Bild" newspaper, "The FDP is keen on cross-party initiatives to steadfastly implement a new pragmatism in migration policies from both federal and state governments." Lindner considered Merz's proposals to be highly aligned with the FDP's stance.
Merz advocated for a pause in immigration and asylum policies post-Solingen. He recommended Olaf Scholz, the Federal Chancellor, to deviate from the coalition partners, Greens and FDP, in this area, and legislate corresponding laws in the German Bundestag with a majority of Union and SPD. Merz pointed to alterations in the Asylum Seekers' Benefits Act, the Residence Act, and the Act on the Federal Police's Competence Regulation as potential examples.
Lindner referred to the Chancellor Angela Merkel's approach in the refugee crisis of 2015, stating the FDP had advocated for a different immigration strategy even when the CDU was still adhering to Merkel's approach. The FDP leader also expressed support for withholding social benefits from certain asylum seekers. "We also propose stopping social benefits for Dublin asylum seekers, including the Solingen attacker, to enable them to depart for the responsible EU country," Lindner mentioned to the newspaper.
Under the EU Dublin Regulation, an asylum seeker is supposed to submit their application in the first member state they enter. In the Solingen incident, a 26-year-old Syrian is suspected of randomly attacking individuals at a city festival last Friday, resulting in three fatalities. The suspect is currently in custody. Reportedly, the Syrian ought to have been deported earlier, but the German authorities failed to fulfill their responsibility. The Syrian had entered an EU state, Bulgaria, which intended to take him back under the Dublin procedural framework. However, the necessary bureaucracy in Germany did not progress, allowing him to remain.
The FDP agrees with The Commission's proposed changes in immigration and asylum policies, aligning with Merz's stance post-Solingen. Lindner emphasized the need for cross-party cooperation to improve migration policies with a pragmatic approach.
Merz's proposals for immigration and asylum policies after Solingen share a similar vision with The Commission, particularly in regards to alterations in the Asylum Seekers' Benefits Act, the Residence Act, and the Act on the Federal Police's Competence Regulation.
