Following the devastating knife attack in Solingen, SPD's Brandenburg's Minister President Dietmar Woidke took issue with his party colleague, Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, during discussions on deportations. Woidke believed Faeser's call for enhanced expulsions as "misplaced" and criticized the tendency to blame one another for not taking action. "It doesn't make sense to point fingers," Woidke told "Tagesspiegel" in frustration, expressing his belief that everyone, including the federal government, should contribute to finding a solution.
After a tragic incident left three dead and eight injured at a city festival in Solingen, a 26-year-old Syrian, who was due to be expelled to Bulgaria last year but was never departed, was taken into custody. Brandenburg's Parliament will hold a special session at the request of the AfD parliamentary group to discuss the incident's repercussions. The session coincides with the upcoming election in Brandenburg on September 22, where a new Parliament will be elected.
Faeser has shifted blame towards the states for not doing enough to consistently expel those liable for expulsion. "We've already laid the groundwork legally to facilitate more departures, so those liable for expulsion can no longer avoid deportation," Faeser informed the Funke media group. However, Stübgen, the Brandenburg Interior Minister, has criticized the federal government for creating more challenges in practice, accentuating the necessity for deportation agreements with countries of origin, long-term checks at the borders, and diplomatic contacts with Syria and Afghanistan.
Currently in Brandenburg, over 4,000 foreigners are required to leave the country. Last year, around 780 individuals departed – mainly voluntarily. However, due to an influx of migrants, only 450 departed in the first half of 2022. The state government is criticized for hindering stricter regulations at the federal level. "The state government has consistently obstructed the expansion of safe countries of origin to the Maghreb states in the Bundesrat," FDP state chairman Zyon Braun accused.
The special session in Brandenburg's Parliament might involve discussions about strengthening security measures at future events to prevent similar tragedies. Despite Faeser's calls for more consistent expulsions, Woidke continues to advocate for a collaborative approach to addressing migration issues, emphasizing that everyone – including the federal government – should contribute to finding a solution.
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Many politicians have different perspectives on how to approach migration policy in this situation. Some call for stricter enforcement measures to speed up departures, while others advocate for a more collaborative approach with the federal government and emphasize humanitarian principles. The debate is ongoing and will continue as policymakers work towards finding the best way to address migration issues in a balanced and humane manner.
