The CDU/CSU, unknowingly, aids the AfD in their political endeavors.
Union's Move among Ukrainian Refugees Sparks Controversy, Raising Alarms
The Union's current campaign among Ukrainian refugees is causing quite a stir, with potential risks looming large. The Union's stance overlooks a critical point: Without the provision of weapons to Ukraine, the refugee influx to Germany could significantly increase.
The aftermath of the European elections continues to linger, particularly for the CDU in Eastern Germany. The insistent call from Brandenburg's Interior Minister, Michael Stübgen, comes as a surprise. He expressed his skepticism: "It's illogical to claim support for Ukraine, while catering to 'flag-fleeing' Ukrainians." This sentiment was previously echoed by the Bavarian Interior Minister, Joachim Herrmann. "It's time we explicitly state that evading military service will no longer be tolerated, and welfare benefits will be withdrawn," Herrmann argued. These suggestions will be discussed at the Interior Ministers' Conference this week.
Some argue that Ukrainians in Germany should defend their homeland instead. However, not every personal opinion can be transformed into a legal statue. Forcing Ukrainians in Germany to surrender their welfare benefits and serve in the military in Ukraine could face legal challenges. Implementing this idea would be realistic only through indirect methods, such as requiring valid Ukrainian passports from them. However, this too might appear as a ruse.
Regardless of its feasibility, the idea raises several concerns. It seems that a fundamental finding from populism research has yet to reach the mainstream: Supporting the narratives of right-wing populists strengthens them, especially when their proposal is infeasible. In other words, the Union's campaign may inadvertently backfire.
A Campaign for Resentment
The Union is evidently trying to tap into resentment towards Ukraine without significantly altering its Ukraine policy. In fact, 26% of Union supporters believe that Ukraine receives excessive support from Germany, a sentiment more prevalent among the ruling parties. In Eastern Germany, this belief is held by 40%, while in Western Germany, it stands at 29%. The September elections of three eastern German federal states, including Brandenburg, are imminent.
Instead of a practical solution, the Union and FDP could advocate for an alternative: cease providing welfare and instead offer support according to the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act. Despite valid arguments for this, it's crucial to remember that Ukrainian refugees were assimilated into the welfare system out of compassion two years ago, to ease pressure on the asylum system. However, local municipalities and states should have been relieved, not burdened. The federal government covers welfare expenses, while the benefits according to the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act are paid by the states and municipalities. Additionally, a smoother integration into the labor market was expected.
Fewer Weapons, More Refugees
Despite initial efforts, this integration has been limited, which may not solely be attributed to welfare assistance. In fact, the Union's parliamentary leader, Thorsten Frei, has noticed that the number of working Ukrainian women in Germany is relatively low compared to other countries. However, Germany likely bears more responsibility for this state of affairs rather than Ukrainian women. Nevertheless, Frei focuses on fueling resentment: "Amidst Russia's brutal attack on Ukraine, many armed Ukrainians are hiding here." He neglects to touch upon the high language requirements for many jobs or the strict recognition of foreign professional degrees.
The Union has taken commendable actions in the face of Russia's aggression towards Ukraine. However, three months before the elections in Eastern Germany, the Union appears to be displaying a lack of courage in supporting military aid to Ukraine while adopting a harsh stance towards Ukrainian refugees. This combination is baffling - and underserves the Union.
Instead of pandering to a presumed audience based on assumed opinions, the Union should work towards conveying a different message to the public: More refugees from Ukraine will migrate to Germany if policies such as those advocated by CDU politicians like the Saxon Minister-President Michael Kretschmer are pursued. He recently stated in his government declaration that the question of whether Germany has turned into a 'war party' should be discussed. 'War party'? Anyone who adopts Putin's narrative should not be surprised if, in the end, extremist parties such as the AfD benefit.
