Shifting Tides: Merz's New Migration Policies Draw Attention
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In a radical shift, Germany's new Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, and his Christian Democratic Union (CDU) have adopted a harsh stance on migration, particularly targeting irregular immigration. This strategy prioritizes enhancing border controls, with asylum seekers required to apply in the first European Union (EU) country they enter, in line with EU law.
To achieve this goal, the government has proposed expediting the processing of asylum applications and augmenting deportations of rejected applicants, with a focus on violent offenders. These measures are designed to bolster the economy and strengthen national security.
The coalition agreement between CDU/CSU and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) also encompasses measures to suspend voluntary admission programs, halt family reunification, and deny entry to asylum seekers at the border - all coordinated with European partners.
Border Control Hubbub
The Interior Ministry, helmed by Alexander Dobrindt, has boosted border controls and rescinded a 2015 instruction that previously allowed undocumented immigrants to enter Germany on humanitarian grounds. This move has sparked controversy, particularly with neighboring countries Poland and Switzerland.
Dobrindt's efforts have seen the deployment of more federal police at the border, as well as the refusal of entry to asylum seekers (excluding children and pregnant women). Protests from these neighboring nations have ensued, prompting briefings for ambassadors at the Federal Ministry of the Interior.
EU Law Considerations
Under EU law, asylum seekers are expected to apply in the first EU country they enter. Merz's government argues this stance would reduce the number of asylum applications in Germany.
The intensified border controls are designed to align with EU regulations while addressing Germany's concerns over migration. Opponents argue that these measures go against the spirit of European cooperation and solidarity.
- Emergency
- Friedrich Merz
- CDU
- Federal Government
- Coalition Agreement
- Migrants
- News Report
- Migration
- CSU
- Internal Security
- Public Order
- EU Law
- The CDU, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and its CSU allies within the Federal Government have reiterated their commitment to the community policy and employment policy of reducing irregular immigration through stricter border controls.
- This migration policy promises to expedite asylum application processing and increase deportations, with a focus on violent offenders, as a means to bolster the economy and enhance national security.
- Under the coalition agreement with the SPD, the government plans to suspend voluntary admission programs, halt family reunification, and deny entry to asylum seekers at the border, in coordination with European partners.
- The controversial rescinding of a 2015 instruction by the Interior Ministry, which previously permitted undocumented immigrants to enter Germany on humanitarian grounds, has drawn deviation from neighboring countries Poland and Switzerland, causing political tensions.
