In response to a violent incident in Aschaffenburg, Union chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz is advocating for significant changes to Germany's migration and asylum policies. Merz seeks to tighten immigration laws and increase deportations, insisting that even those with protection claims be denied entry if attempts are deemed illegal. The suspect in the Aschaffenburg attack was reportedly obliged to leave the country, highlighting flaws in current deportation practices.
Merz's proposal aligns with Bavarian Interior Minister Herrmann's views, who criticized the failure to deport the suspect due to administrative delays. Additionally, Bavaria's Premier Markus Söder supports a 'zero tolerance' approach to migration, calling for reforms in asylum laws and the suspension of family reunification to mitigate similar incidents.
Recent statistics reveal a 22% rise in deportations in 2024, primarily involving Turkish and Georgian nationals. However, there are still significant gaps, as evidenced by the discrepancy between available detention spaces and the number of individuals required to leave Germany. Brandenburg has seen an increase in voluntary departures, yet a decrease in forced deportations, leading to debates in the Landtag about more effective repatriation strategies.
The push for tighter controls and increased deportations is coupled with a commitment to protect and integrate legitimate asylum seekers. While these measures aim to address safety and policy efficiency, they also spark discussions about the balance between humanitarian obligations and national security.
