Rewritten Article:
SPD's Klingbeil Eyes Calm Migration Debate at Conference
SPD chairman Lars Klingbeil is preparing for a heated debate on migration at his party's forthcoming conference, but he insists on maintaining a civil conversation. "There are sometimes uncomfortable questions that need to be addressed," Klingbeil said in an interview with the German Press Agency, promising a discussion "without shouting."
Controversy stirred by SPD's migration policy
The controversy stems from Chancellor Olaf Scholz's statement to "Spiegel," suggesting mass deportations of individuals without the legal right to stay in Germany. Critics, including the Jusos leadership, criticized this stance as reminiscent of right-wing rhetoric. The intensity grew during the SPD youth association's federal congress in November, as numerous members voiced their discontent with the government's migration policy.
Three-day conference in Berlin
The annual SPD conference, taking place in Berlin this week, serves as a platform for Klingbeil and Saskia Esken to face re-election as the party's dual leadership. Beyond re-election, the SPD is eager to discuss plans for modernizing Germany as a whole.
Klingbeil's vision for migration policy
Klingbeil anticipates that the topic of migration will dominate discussions at the conference. He expressed optimism that the SPD can both show compassion and maintain order with regard to migration: "I am quite certain that the Social Democrats will set out a path that highlights both humanity and order." The current focus on attracting skilled workers necessitates both tighter border controls and more efficient processes for managing migration.
The SPD advocates for stricter deportation measures, swiftly addressing criminal activity by traffickers, and a more expedient repatriation process. Simultaneously, the SPD supports faster labor market integration for refugees with potential to stay in Germany. Klingbeil underscores that all these aspects are interconnected.
Condemning fearmongering over migration
Emphasizing the importance of a "migration policy free of resentment," Klingbeil asserted that such a sentiment would be widely supported during the conference. He predicts a strong consensus around this approach. Regarding Chancellor Scholz's "Spiegel" quote, Klingbeil acknowledged its misunderstood implications, emphasizing that Scholz had addressed numerous other topics in the same interview.
Migration discussed within wider context
Klingbeil emphasized that immigration concerns should not be viewed as a threat to society as a whole but rather as a means to address the critical shortage of skilled labor in Germany. Emphasizing the need for immigration to maintain a strong economy, Klingbeil underscored that the legal framework is in place, but a welcoming attitude and socially inclusive culture are still lacking.
Additional Insights
The SPD's position on migration entails supporting permanent border controls, rejecting direct pushbacks, and enhancing European cooperation to manage migration effectively. Klingbeil recently defended his party's candidate selection process after facing backlash, demonstrating his focus on maintaining unity within the party on sensitive issues like migration.
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