The FDP is on board with teaming up with the CDU to tighten asylum policies. The party's parliamentary leader, Dürr, backs Merz's idea of cross-party cooperation to tackle the immigration crisis. He highlighted the failure of the CDU-led government in North Rhine-Westphalia to deport an offender, emphasizing the importance of federal and local authorities working together on this issue.
Chancellor Lindner of the FDP concurs, expressing the party's readiness to take shared, bipartisan steps to overhaul immigration policies at both federal and state levels. Lindner commended Merz's immigration proposals, noting their alignment with the FDP's stance. He further advocated for stricter migration controls, proposing the withdrawal of social benefits for many asylum seekers and suggesting that Dublin refugees cease receiving social aid in Germany to encourage their departure to responsible EU nations.
Federal Chancellor Scholz invited Merz and the Union faction to the Chancellery, where Merz advocated for joint action to strengthen immigration policies. Merz also expressed his intent to push for bipartisan changes to the law during the upcoming Bundestag session. He hoped for a cooperative strategy with coalition partners willing to collaborate.
It's no secret that the FDP has historically championed stricter migration controls, even when the CDU was still aligned with Merkel's policies. However, the current FDP, under Lindner's leadership, supports bipartisan arrangements and has even embraced Merz's immigration proposals, aligning closely with their stance.
Further Reading:
Behind-the-Scenes Information:
The partnership between the FDP and CDU on migrant policies is a complex mosaic.
- FDP's Position:
- The FDP has strongly advocated for stricter immigration policies, with Leader Lindner praising Denmark's stern migration policies and criticizing the Greens for impeding stricter measures during their time in the governing coalition[1][3].
- CDU's Position:
- The CDU has moved to enhance asylum regulations, including proposing perpetual border controls and the rejection of asylum seekers at the border. However, this move drew controversy as it was backed by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD)[1][2][3].
- CDU Leader Merz has promoted stricter migration policies and expedited deportations, suggesting that the party might enact laws with AfD support. Although Merz values bipartisan cooperation, this stance has encountered criticism from the SPD and Greens[1][3].
Together, the FDP and CDU are dedicated to fortifying asylum regulations while navigating the nuances of cross-party collaboration and political anxieties.
