Solingen commemoration: Steinmeier advocates for enhanced measures against unregulated immigration
Germany's President Steinmeier underscores the significance of the right to asylum, stating, "We, rightfully, welcome individuals seeking shelter from political oppression and war." However, he warns, "This can only be successful if the influx of those not entitled to this particular sanctuary doesn't overwhelm us." Asylum seekers, he emphasizes, "Must comply with our nation's laws and regulations."
Recent events have stirred controversy. A knife attack last week resulted in three fatalities and injured eight others, with severe injuries for some. The federal prosecutor suspects an Islamist motive behind the attack. The alleged assailant, a 26-year-old Syrian, should have been sent back to Bulgaria, his first point of entry in the EU, in 2020.
Steinmeier labeled the situation as "unacceptable," expressing concern that the individual "apparently sought and found protection here, only to misuse it so horrifically." He also acknowledged errors: "Our state was unable to fully honor its promise of protection and security." Consequently, investigations into the crime and potential government oversights are necessary.
The discourse triggered discussions about deportations and knife bans. The federal government subsequently suggested introducing stricter gun controls, stepped-up countermeasures against violent Islamism, and substantial refinements to immigration and asylum regulations. Steinmeier now advocates for enforcing already existing rules and those currently being drafted to restrict immigration.
He drew correlations between other Islamist-driven acts of violence, such as the 2016 attack on Berlin's Breitscheidplatz Christmas market and the 1993 Solingen arson attack resulting in five fatalities, to highlight the similarities in tactics used by perpetrators. They prey on "our very heart, our freedom, what makes us who we are," Steinmeier emphasized.
The Commission's delay in deciding on Article 93 (2) of the Treaty could potentially impact the refinement of immigration and asylum regulations, as suggested by the federal government. Steinmeier stressed the importance of enforcing existing and new rules to manage immigration, given the recent incidents of Islamist-driven violence.
