Union advocates for relocating asylum process to foreign nations
The Alliance is advocating for refugee screenings to take place outside of EU nations. The administration has agreed to inspect the data and will present their findings to the Prime Minister today. It's not just Caritas that's leery of the plan.
The Alliance is giving the Prime Minister a tough time today over the outsourcing of refugee screenings to foreign countries, claiming Chancellor Olaf Scholz is slacking on the issue. CDU chief Friedrich Merz told the Funke Media Group newspapers, "The Chancellor's commitments haven't been met as promised." He accused Scholz of prioritizing concerns of coalition partners over implementing meaningful changes in migration policy.
North Rhine-Westphalia's Prime Minister Hendrik Wüst told the "Rheinische Post": "We need to put a stop to unregulated migration to Germany." For this, national intervention is necessary as well. Wüst said, "The Federal Government's expert review has shown: Refugee screenings in third countries are theoretically viable." Various methods could be considered. Wüst expects the Federal Chancellor to demonstrate resolve, diligence, and dedication in exploring which method is best for Germany. He emphasized that the issue should not be pushed aside. "Difficult paths must be taken," Wüst said, acknowledging the challenges but adding, "Given the heavy strains on our society and unity due to migration pressure, these are necessary steps."
Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser from the SPD had the feasibility of third-country procedures scrutinized by experts, both within and outside the government. According to a "Süddeutsche Zeitung" report, there are legal concerns and skepticism about the cost-effectiveness of the model.
Faeser has had experts evaluate the feasibility of third-country procedures
The findings of the evaluation will be discussed at today's meeting between the Prime Minister and Scholz. The Federal Government has heard expert opinions, but is under pressure to provide their own stance, criticized Hessian Prime Minister Boris Rhein. "We expect a political response from the Prime Minister's Conference: Will the Federal Chancellor support refugee screenings in third countries, or not?" said the CDU politician.
Bremen's leader, Andreas Bovenschulte, labeled the ideas before the Prime Minister conference as a "political long shot." He pointed to the British government's plan to handle asylum applications in Rwanda, which "ran into practical difficulties." Such a procedure is too expensive, legally complex, and impractical according to experts.
Even Caritas, the Catholic welfare organization, voiced objections to outsourcing refugee screenings. "Neither the people in Germany nor the refugees will benefit from this," said Steffen Feldmann, head of Caritas' finance and international department, to the Funke Media Group newspapers. He argued that superficial solutions regarding refugee issues only serve to strengthen hostile attitudes. Feldmann claimed, "Migration and displacement illustrate what requires improvement and what has been overlooked in Germany for a long time." He referred to housing shortages, kindergarten places, education, and care shortages. These are signs of problems that need deep-rooted solutions.
Read also:
- The CDU, led by Friedrich Merz, criticizes Chancellor Olaf Scholz for not prioritizing changes in migration policy, as the Alliance advocates for relocating asylum processes to foreign nations.
- Prime Minister Hendrik Wüst of North Rhine-Westphalia supports the idea of conducting refugee screenings in third countries, stating that national intervention is necessary to stop unregulated migration to Germany.
- Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser from the SPD has had experts evaluate the feasibility of third-country procedures, with concerns raised about legal issues and cost-effectiveness.
- Hessian Prime Minister Boris Rhein, from the CDU, has urged the Federal Government to provide a political response regarding their stance on refugee screenings in third countries.
- Andreas Bovenschulte, Bremen's leader, labels the idea as a "political long shot," citing the British government's struggles with handling asylum applications in Rwanda as a warning of potential challenges.
- Even Caritas, the Catholic welfare organization, expresses opposition to outsourcing refugee screenings, arguing that it will not benefit asylum seekers or the German population, and that addressing root causes such as housing shortages is crucial.
