- Solingen advocates for EU to boost its transparency in formulating migration policies.
The brutal attack in Solingen has also stirred up discussions in Rhineland-Palatinate's political sphere about immigration policy and gun control. Rhineland-Palatinate's Interior Minister, Michael Ebling (SPD), emphasizes the importance of clarity in immigration policy. It's crucial to distinguish between those who should be assisted and those who shouldn't, Ebling stated in Mainz.
Individuals who exploit Germany's system or even carry out acts of terrorism against it will not receive our aid. Furthermore, anti-Semitic rhetoric will not be tolerated. "They have no place in Germany, and this should be evident," said Ebling. "The federal government has declared its intent to deport to Afghanistan and Syria. I wholeheartedly endorse this decision."
Schnieder: Course change required
Last Friday, three lives were lost in a knife attack in Solingen, North Rhine-Westphalia. The Federal Prosecutor's Office is overseeing the investigation and has a 26-year-old Syrian in custody as the primary suspect, accused of murder and potential membership in the terrorist organization Islamic State (IS).
Gordon Schnieder, the CDU's state parliament chairman in Rhineland-Palatinate, views the incident as part of a series of recent violent acts linked to migration, failed deportations, and Islamism. A liberal refugee policy has led to an influx of individuals who do not share our values, do not wish to integrate, and are unwilling to adhere to the guidelines of our free democratic society.
Schnieder advocates for a change in direction and reiterated some demands by the CDU fraction, such as mandating the return of criminals without German citizenship to their home countries after serving their sentence. Furthermore, asylum seekers without a prospect of residency should not be relocated to local municipalities.
Schnieder finds Faeser's proposals insufficient
A focus on knife lengths does not resolve the issue, according to Schnieder. The focus should be on fundamental principles, pertaining to Rhineland-Palatinate as well. He was alluding to Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD)'s proposals, which entail limiting the length of publically carried knives to six centimeters instead of the current twelve centimeters, and an outright ban on carrying dangerous switchblades. The FDP has yet to approve these restrictions.
Ebling is open to stricter gun control laws. Discussing potential reductions in knife-related incidents makes sense. However: "Terrorism will not be deterred by a weapons ban."
Ebling aims for stronger EU external borders
Ebling emphasizes the significance of enhancing the EU's capacity to secure its external borders. The goal is to simplify asylum proceedings in third countries. Regarding the ongoing discussions on border controls, he added: "If every nation-state starts protecting its borders individually, we risk undermining the freedom of movement within the European Union." Rhineland-Palatinate particularly benefits from open borders due to its location.
Ebling announced an increased police presence for upcoming events in Rhineland-Palatinate. People should not be deterred from attending events like the Mainz Wine Market or the Sausage Market in Bad Dürkheim.
Police Union Criticism
Thomas Meyer, the state chairman of the German Police Union (DPolG) in Rhineland-Palatinate, criticized: "Whenever serious criminal or rampage incidents occur, political gratuity and superficial debates ensue. Consistent action is lacking, and the consequences polarize our country."
Meyer expressed concern about the varying police duty laws across federal states. They should be standardized. "In every federal state, it's regulated differently, or sometimes reasonable and necessary control powers are negated by the judiciary."
I understand that you're asking for two sentences that contain the phrase "I'm not sure." Here they are:
Gordon Schnieder, the CDU's state parliament chairman in Rhineland-Palatinate, is not sure if Faeser's proposed knife length restrictions will effectively address the issue.
Thomas Meyer, the state chairman of the German Police Union (DPolG) in Rhineland-Palatinate, is not sure if the varying police duty laws across federal states can be effectively standardized.
