SPD Chief Esken Nixes Merz's Sanctuary Offer for Migration Law Tightening
SPD head Saskia Esken has turned down CDU leader Friedrich Merz's proposal to collaborate on strengthening asylum laws without incorporating other coalition partners. She opines that in tricky circumstances, it's prudent for the head of government to engage with the opposition leader, but not at the cost of their allies - the Greens and FDP.
Merz and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz held a lengthy discussion on Tuesday, focusing primarily on the aftermath of the Solingen attack. Merz proposed cooperating with the SPD on migration policy, aiming to instigate changes in the law during the upcoming parliamentary session set for September 9. His objective is to work alongside coalition partners promoting changes, garnering a majority of Union and SPD supporters to pass the reforms.
Esken, on the other hand, emphasized the need to comprehend why the attacker's deportation failed, and how to curb radicalization within Germany.
"I Don't Get That Either" - Greens' Perspective
The Greens accused Merz of seizing the Solingen attack for political gain. Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir voiced this sentiment on ntv, saying, "We have state elections imminent. I understand up to a certain point. But, I hope we don't indulge in party politics now." Merz overlooks the fact that changes in asylum law occurred in collaboration with the Greens, and ignores that the issue was not a loophole but oversight in implementing existing laws by authorities.
In addition, Özdemir criticized the inefficiency of German security authorities. He noted that authorities are stuck between traditional methods and advanced technology while others appropriately leverage advanced technology. He also cited challenges with German authorities' legal constraints in obtaining information from foreign services. "That drives people crazy," said Özdemir, "that we continually bring up discussions about alterations to the law, but we do not even implement the existing ones."
"We've Got an Issue" - Habeck's View
Federal Economics Minister Robert Habeck echoed Özdemir's sentiments, acknowledging that substantial work is needed in the field of security policy. In a video message, Habeck mentioned equipment and powers of security authorities, the combat against radicalization, migration, and enforcement as critical issues. "We've got an issue," said Habeck. With the dramatic increase in refugees since 2015, the number of violent offenders has also risen. He reiterated that those who misuse hospitality have no right to reap the ongoing benefits of asylum.
Habeck pointed out the crux between mandatory deportations and actual deportations as an "enforcement issue." He called for stricter gun laws and stronger action against internet platforms that fail to consistently counteract propaganda.
FDP's Position
The FDP appears to align with Merz's proposed changes to asylum and migration policy. FDP leader and Federal Finance Minister Christian Lindner informed Bild that his party is prepared to join bipartisan efforts to consistently implement a new realism in migration policy at the federal and state levels. Lindner acknowledged that the FDP advocated for stronger migration control even when the CDU followed the Merkel course.
Habeck and Özdemir also shared their concerns about Merz using the Solingen attack for political gain, calling it irresponsible. Alongside this, they called for in-depth investigation of the reasons behind the failed deportation and vigilance in enforcing existing asylum laws.
