The FDP is open to collaborating with the CDU in strengthening asylum legislation.
The Liberal Democrats (FDP) have displayed approval towards the stricter asylum laws advocated by CDU leader Friedrich Merz. Christian Dürr, head of the FDP's parliamentary group, commended Merz's initiatives in the Funke newspapers and urged for even more stringent measures. As Dürr put it, "Many of Merz's proposals regarding migration align with the FDP's stance. We aim to push further and withhold social aid from Dublin refugees who face deportation."
Furthermore, Dürr highlighted the need for cooperation among democratic parties to tackle the migration issue. He stressed that the Solingen case underscores this necessity, as the CDU-led North Rhine-Westphalia government has been unable to deport the perpetrator. To tackle this problem effectively, Dürr argued, collaboration between federal and state governments is crucial.
Indeed, the FDP stands ready for this cooperation. Its chairperson, Christian Lindner, echoed Dürr's sentiments. "The FDP is prepared to participate in cross-party initiatives to consistently implement realism in migration policies from both the federal and state governments," Lindner told "Bild." He also noted that the FDP had urged for tighter control over migration when the CDU was still following Merkel's course. In this regard, Lindner advocated for discontinuing social benefits for many asylum seekers. "Like the Solingen attacker, Dublin refugees should no longer receive social benefits in Germany, thereby allowing them to return to the responsible EU country," he suggested.
On Tuesday morning, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz welcomed Merz, the head of the Union parliamentary group and CDU chairman, at the Chancellery. Merz proposed cooperation to tighten migration policies. He stated his intention to spearhead legislative changes across party lines during the next session of the Bundestag, which begins on September 9. Merz expressed confidence in forging a joint approach "with the coalition factions that are amenable."
The FDP, led by chairperson Christian Lindner, has been supportive of the CDU's stricter asylum policies, as evidenced by their past calls for tighter control over migration when the CDU was following Merkel's course. In a bid to tackle the migration issue effectively, Dürr, head of the FDP's parliamentary group, has emphasized the necessity of cooperation among democratic parties, including the CDU.
