Immigration Policy in ARD and ZDF - Dobrindt's Controversy: "We Can't Deal with This Influx"
Unveiling Dobrindt's Assertion: Excessive Dependence is Addressable
Experts question Dobrindt's hardline stance towards immigrants, as seen on Sandra Maischberger's ARD and Markus Lanz's ZDF shows. But is the emergency situation needed to enforce rejections at the border really present?
The legal standpoint is obvious. Last Monday, the Administrative Court in Berlin sided with three Somalis who contested their rejection at the border on May 9th. Melanie Amann, journalist and lawyer from "Der Spiegel," elucidated the situation on Tuesday evening on Markus Lanz's ZDF: The decision is an individual one, so Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt is correct to continue rejecting asylum seekers at the border. "However, this decision contains legal arguments. These legal arguments are so broad that they can be inferred that this practice is unlawful."
Dobrindt's policies heavily scrutinized
European law permits the rejection of asylum seekers at the border. Nevertheless, Amann notes that this can only be done in the exceptional case of a threat to public safety and order. "Currently, the government claims to be invoking this exception without providing any specific reasons or arguments. They are not explaining why they are acting legally." Amann criticizes Dobrindt's decision harshly, "He is primarily concerned with symbolism, to demonstrate: We are rejecting, observe us, we are bringing about the asylum turnaround. Anyone who now comes with the law, they are simply nitpickers who then point to some regulations." This perspective suggests that the system is not operating effectively, and the public sentiment seems to support such views.
Resignation demand for Dobrindt in asylum dispute
"We're acting as if nobody is keeping to it, so we won't either," explains Amann, suggesting that a Federal Interior Minister can easily proceed in this manner in such an atmosphere. Though some European countries are violating Dublin regulations, admits Amann. "The legal violation against Dublin is now also coming from Germany, as established by this Administrative Court decision."
Dobrindt Denies Emergency Situation
In two talk shows on Tuesday evening, CSU heavyweights defended their positions regarding immigration policy. Dobrindt, the Interior Minister, justifies his stance on Sandra Maischberger's ARD, while Markus Söder could lend a hand on Markus Lanz's ZDF. However, it seems that the two are not entirely on the same page.
Dobrindt is determined to reject asylum seekers at the borders despite the ruling, but according to European law, he may only do this if there is a justifiable emergency situation. Germany is not in an emergency situation, Dobrindt claimed just a few weeks ago upon being appointed Federal Interior Minister. His viewpoint, however, appears different on Tuesday evening with Maischberger, stating that the justification for the rejections is inadequate.
Stressed Borders, No Emergency
Many would recognize Germany's predicament. Migrants are evidently causing a strain on the system. "The evidence is clear in kindergartens, schools, language and integration classes—they are understaffed. It's obvious on the housing market. The municipalities are overwhelmed. We can see that we can't handle it. And we should be allowed to convey this load," Dobrindt stresses. However, the question remains as to how Dobrindt can justify an "overload" without declaring an emergency.
Even within the coalition, Dobrindt's decisions are not universally supported. "The law must be applied, regardless of political considerations," counters Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig of the SPD. Dobrindt remains firm in his stance, aiming to change the dysfunctional European rules. "But if I have to explain why it's not feasible every time, why we cannot implement the rules, if we can't even attempt it, then the polarization in society will continue, the populists will gain popularity, and the public will feel that politics is incapable of making decisions," he states, regarding the potential repercussions of disregarding the law.
Bavaria: Lower Number of Asylum Seekers
Söder, Bavaria's Minister-President, boasts of a 50% decrease in asylum seekers in the first half of the year for his federal state, and then questions the necessity of declaring an emergency. How can you declare an emergency if there are fewer asylum seekers arriving in the country? And why was it seemingly unnecessary when more asylum seekers were entering the nation?
Söder argues that the surge in departures explains the reduction in asylum seekers, suggesting that there's no emergency. However, other factors may play a role. "Public safety and order are at risk due to the violation of European law," asserts Söder, emphasizing that Germany must secure its borders. According to Söder, it is feasible to justify this stance to the European Court of Justice, expressing confidence that Germany's rights would be supported.
"You won't succeed with that," counters Amann. "Every court will tell you: That's nonsense," says the journalist. "I respect your view, but I do not share it," retorts Söder. "The countries surrounding us are not complying with the European law in part, which presents a threat to our public order," Söder continues.
- The controversy surrounding Dobrindt's immigration policy has extended to his employment policies, as critics argue that his focus on symbolism might overshadow adherence to the law.
- As the discussions on immigration policy continue, it's essential to review the community and employment policies, ensuring they uphold the principles of justice and equality, while considering the current influx of immigrants.
