Scholz upholds the fundamental right of asylum for individuals
In Germany, the principle of individual asylum seizure is firmly established. Despite this, Friedrich Merz advocates for halting the influx of individuals from Syria and Afghanistan, aiming to implement this change "practically" without necessitating an alteration to the Basic Law. The SPD and the Greens express disapproval, while the FDP displays a inclination towards Merz's suggestions.
Olaf Scholz, the Federal Chancellor, has no intention of interfering with the principle of individual asylum. Speaking on ZDF, Scholz stated, "The principle of individual asylum remains intact. It's enshrined in our Basic Law, and no one will challenge it with my support." This statement came a few hours after a meeting with CDU leader, Friedrich Merz.
Merz, in response to the Islamist attack in Solingen that resulted in three fatalities, among other things, urged a complete suspension of refugee admissions from Syria and Afghanistan on Tuesday evening. Merz later referred to this as a "factually halt." Merz presented his proposal for a restructuring of migration policy to Scholz, suggesting potential collaboration, even if it meant acting without coalition partners like the Greens and the FDP, which could be interpreted as a call for a coalition collapse.
SPD's interior politician, Dirk Wiese, expressed concern over Merz's call for a coalition breakdown, stating to the Funke media group newspapers, "This country is renowned for its ability to navigate difficult times by having the government and opposition bridge party lines. But this needs to be done with utmost seriousness. The call for a coalition breakdown is more likely due to upcoming elections on Sunday. I deeply regret this." Elections were scheduled for Saxony and Thuringia on Sunday.
FDP Shows Support for Proposals
FDP leader, Christian Lindner, showed support for Merz's proposals, remarking to "Bild," "The FDP is open to cross-party initiatives for implementing realism in migration policies from both the federal and state governments. Mr. Merz's migration proposals are largely in line with those of the FDP." Lindner further proposed, "In addition, we suggest cutting social benefits for Dublin refugees in Germany, such as the suspected Solingen attacker, allowing them to relocate to the responsible EU nation."
Green faction leader, Britta Haßelmann, said, "All democratic parties share the responsibility of combating the dangers of Islamic terrorism, with both the federal and state governments sharing this responsibility." She advocated for targeted measures and realistic solutions, adding, "It's not about personal profiling;" without mentioning Merz specifically.
Merz: No Call for Basic Law Amendment
Merz justified his proposal for halting refugee intake from Syria and Afghanistan in principle, now only advocating for a "factually halt," which his proposals would lead to. A four-page "Questions and Answers" document sent to members of the federal board of his party after his meeting with Scholz stated, "We do not demand a change in the asylum law in the Basic Law."
Merz's proposition for halting refugee intake sparked questions within his party about how such a halt could be executed legally. Merz first introduced this demand shortly after the Solingen attack, when a 26-year-old Syrian, now in custody, was suspected of committing the attack. The Federal Prosecutor's Office is investigating him for murder and membership in the terrorist organization IS, which took responsibility for the attack. Initially, the suspected perpetrator was supposed to be deported to Bulgaria, but this did not occur.
Despite Merz's call for a halt in refugee admissions from Syria and Afghanistan, Olaf Scholz reaffirmed the principle of individual asylum, stating that it remains intact and enshrined in their Basic Law. In response to Merz's proposal, FDP leader Christian Lindner expressed support, suggesting cutting social benefits for Dublin refugees and allowing them to relocate to the responsible EU nation.
