- Steinmeier advocates for limiting unregulated migration movements
Leader Steinmeier Stands Firm on Asylum Rights
Our nation's president, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, won't budge on asylum rights, yet calls for measures to curb unauthorized immigration. At a gathering honoring the victims of the suspected Islamist attack in Solingen, Steinmeier emphasized that Germany, for valid reasons, welcomes individuals seeking refuge from political persecution and war, granting asylum rights. History shows that in the past century, Germany's survival during the Nazi era was aided by other nations keeping their borders open. "We aim to maintain this nature of our country," Steinmeier stated to an audience of approximately 450 mourners, "provided the influx of those not entitled to such protection doesn't overwhelm us."
Unity Required for Implementation
"Those seeking refuge must comply with our land's laws and regulations," urged Steinmeier. It's imperative to diligently implement the existing and forthcoming access regulations. "This is a monumental task that must take priority in the coming years," he added. This nationwide effort is what both I and the German people expect - transcending political party boundaries and administrative hierarchies.
Attending the memorial service was also Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who later wrote on the X platform, "The crime cuts deep, ignites anger. To learn from it is our duty to them and their families." The SPD politician profoundly mourned the victims of #Solingen, "with their families, with this city, with all of Germany."
In his eulogy, Steinmeier acknowledged that the state failed to fulfill its commitment of protection and security in Solingen. Both the crime and any underlying factors contributing to its prevention must be thoroughly investigated. The weight of successful immigration should not fall upon dedicated individuals - such as municipal and community workers, volunteer helpers, police officers, and those already at their limits. "We mustn't burden the kind-hearted."
The assault strikes Germany at its core
The violent act strikes the very heart of the country, proclaimed Steinmeier, an "amicable, open, diverse nation." The attack pierces our national identity, "where people of various backgrounds live and wish to coexist peacefully - those who have resided here for generations and those who have recently joined us." The head of state stressed, "Exactly there, exactly there, the perpetrator of Solingen sought to ignite his hatred."
The prime suspect in the attack is a 26-year-old Syrian man who arrived in Germany as a refugee via Bulgaria and is currently in custody. Claiming responsibility for the act is the terrorist organization Islamic State (IS). "Fanatical Islamists aim to destroy what we cherish: our open society, our way of life, our community, our freedom," said Steinmeier. "We will not let the terrorists' strategy succeed, that their repulsive ideology bears fruit, but we feel fear and insecurity. Both emotions are warranted." However, fear should not paralyze us.
Following the memorial service, Steinmeier paid his respects at the crime scene, standing silently in remembrance of the victims and bowing his head in solemnity.
Steinmeier underscored the importance of respecting asylum rights for individuals fleeing political persecution and war, citing Germany's past reliance on other nations keeping their borders open during difficult times. Furthermore, he urged those seeking refuge in Germany to adhere to its laws and regulations, emphasizing the necessity of diligent implementation of existing and future access regulations.
