Germany's Top Dog Takes a Bite Out of Islamist Threat
Alexander Schweitzer, the boss hound of Rhineland-Palatinate (SPD), sees the anti-Islamist agenda of the traffic light coalition as a necessary stand against aggressive extremism. According to Schweitzer, these measures are a "forceful response to violent Islamism" that the German Press Agency caught wind of in Mainz.
These measures pull no punches, with everything from beefing up gun laws to cracking down on refugees who reject deportation, and broadening the grounds for revoking residence rights.
Schweitzer: "We're still sticking to our mission of helping those in need"
The coalition's proposals suggest slashing aid for migrants if another European country has agreed to accept them and is responsible. They also call for expediting the expulsion of criminals and implementing a nationwide ban on carrying knives on long-distance buses and trains, at festivals, and other crowded gatherings. The authorities should be allowed to publicly match biometric data with photos of wanted individuals or suspects to combat Islamism.
Schweitzer is quick to clarify, "These measures are not a war on all refugees." The goal is still to help those in need. However, to ensure the protection of liberal democracies, tough action is needed against illegal entrants who pose a threat.
Schweitzer urges other European countries to step up and take responsibility for their share of migrants to reduce the burden for everyone else. The measures aren't about targeting all asylum seekers, but rather focusing on the problems of illegal immigration and threats to democratic values.
