Turbulent First Steps: Germany's New Government and the Immigration Fiasco
Migrating in a span of hundred days is not feasible.
The wheels seem to be spinning, and the new federal government isn't winning a popularity contest. It's only been a few days, and the chaos is already palpable.
In the first days of this new government, things are looking grim. This messy start can largely be attributed to Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt. With Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz promising swift immigration policy action on day one, the pressure is on. Yet, Merz spent the first day in Paris followed by Warsaw, prompting criticism from Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk over his planned border evacuation of asylum seekers.
Meanwhile, Dobrindt – the "Law-and-Order Minister," according to his boss Markus Söder – is keeping busy in Germany. "Law" - check. "Order" - that's a different story. The English word "order" can also mean "instruction," and it seems there have been plenty of those coming from the Federal Ministry of the Interior.
But what does this "order" look like? Federal police officers are pressured to work extended shifts - 60 hours a week for three weeks. But who will safeguard airports, train stations, and other domestic sites? The answer: we'll see.
Repatriation: Unclear Directives
When it comes to the repatriation of asylum seekers at the borders, Dobrindt provides an unclear answer on Maybrit Illner's ZDF show: while it's now possible, it's not compulsory. No clear-cut guidelines, just uncertainty. The only certainty is that vulnerable groups, such as children and pregnant women, won't be relocated. But what about their parents and partners? Again: "we'll see."
The 100-Day Farce
CDU General Secretary Carsten Linnemann demands swift action amid criticism of the coalition. He belittles the criticism, telling the ARD that they can judge in 100 days. But that's absurd. To govern effectively, decisions must be made immediately, not after 100 days. A new hire must deliver results quickly; otherwise, their probation period is over before they can blink.
The Union parties have spent years portraying their traffic light counterparts as amateurs when it comes to immigration policy. They should have spent this time preparing for the day they took power - not delaying and postponing decisions.
On the Brink of Farce
Even though Dobrindt expresses a desire for quick victories, his hasty decrees have left him looking foolish. With a little patience, criticism could have been avoided. Since the traffic light coalition's end on November 6, crucial decisions have been put off, delayed, and postponed. A few more weeks wouldn't have made much difference.
Dobrindt would be wise to slow down a bit. And to hope for his boss. Merz is set to present a government declaration in the Bundestag on Wednesday. Let's hope the Chancellor can bring some order and calm to this chaotic situation before this government turns into a farce. The failed Chancellor election sends its regards.
In summary, Germany's new government is facing a storm of criticism over their handling of immigration policy. Stricter border controls and repatriation policies have been met with controversy, both domestically and internationally. The government must work to address these issues effectively, or risk turning into a laughing stock in the eyes of the public.
- Friedrich Merz
- Alexander Dobrindt
- Migration
Notes:1. The Local2. Der Spiegel3. Bild4. Deutsche Welle5. The Guardian
- Alexander Dobrindt, dubbed the "Law-and-Order Minister," has been questioned over his policies on migration, particularly regarding the repatriation of asylum seekers, which he claims is possible yet not compulsory.
- Under Dobrindt's leadership, Federal police officers are working extended shifts, raising concerns about the safety of domestic sites like airports and train stations.
- Friedrich Merz, the Federal Chancellor, has faced criticism for his delayed action on immigration policy and his recent trips to Paris and Warsaw, which were seen as unnecessary distractions.
- The general consensus is that the new government's contradictory immigration policies risk turning the coalition into a farce, potentially harming their reputation and effectiveness in the eyes of the public.
