In the aftermath of Gaza war discussions, Berlin SPD chairman Raed Saleh, a Palestinian native from the West Bank and leader of the SPD parliamentary group in Berlin, acknowledged concerns about managing asylum migration in Germany. Criticizing populist immigration statements, Saleh emphasized the need to control immigration better while maintaining a positive tone, highlighting Germany's dependence on immigration and diversity.
Responding to Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz's (SPD) suggestion of deporting large numbers of asylum seekers with no right to stay, Saleh found such language cynical. The SPD leader also refuted claims that integration had failed, arguing that they were misinformed and that blanket bans on demonstrations or revoking German passports were not feasible or beneficial.
Recognizing that anti-Semitism and Islamophobia existed in Germany, Saleh urged against sacrificing unity, emphasizing the importance of combatting all forms of anti-Semitism. Criticizing Chancellor Scholz's immigration statements, Saleh suggested a more inclusive tone could have contributed to a more compassionate asylum migration discussion in Germany.
Olaf Scholz, on the other hand, stressed the importance of the right to asylum, emphasizing Germany's laws and values. The Federal Government worked on defining a legal framework for better migration control, a more restrictive asylum law, and a higher number of deportations. Scholz also called for greater societal cohesion, noting the significance of almost a third of Germany's population having a migration background.
Saleh's stance on immigration highlights the need for thoughtful dialogue and consensus-building in addressing asylum migration issues in Germany. Balancing control with inclusivity, combating prejudice, and fostering unity remain critical facets of this ongoing discussion.
