Ramelow voices concerns over 'competition in the discourse on asylum issues'
In the ongoing migration discussion, Bodo Ramelow, the Minister-President of Thuringia,has expressed concern over the escalating harshness of demands, which unfortunately might stir up negative feelings towards foreigners. He shared his concerns with Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, stating that it seems like everyone is echoing the harsh statements made by the far-right party AFD.
Ramelow further adds that the debate around migration is heavily influenced by sensational and negative incidents, often overshadowing the numerous instances where integration is a success. He believes that the focus should shift towards discussing successful immigration, not inciting isolation.
The Minister-President also highlighted that in Thuringia, with a declining population, 8% of the population is non-German. This figure rises to 40% among hospital doctors and reaches 70% in the hospitality sector, where 70% of current training contracts are with non-Germans. Ramelow emphasized that as over 300,000 people are retiring, there are only 150,000 young people ready to take their place, hence the need for more immigration.
Ramelow: Why not in three months?
Leaders from the federal government coalition of SPD, Greens, and FDP, alongside state representatives and MPs from the Union, gathered to discuss border control and deportations. However, they failed to reach a consensus. Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser introduced a plan to expedite the return of asylum seekers to other EU countries responsible for their procedures under the Dublin rules. This would require the federal states to create suitable conditions, such as providing additional space in detention centres.
"We shouldn't completely shut down European unity by closing borders," expressed Ramelow. He suggested quicker asylum processes, questioning, "Why can't we complete this within three months?"
Ramelow advocated for a more compassionate approach to migration in the German Bundestag, arguing that the recurring focus on negative incidents often overshadows the successes of integration. He also voiced his concern during the meeting with leaders from various political parties, urging for swifter asylum processes, suggesting that it should be possible to complete them within three months.
