In the wake of the tragic knife attack in Aschaffenburg, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has voiced strong criticism against the Bavarian state government's handling of the situation. The incident involved a mentally ill Afghan refugee who fatally attacked a child and a passer-by. Scholz described Bavaria's efforts to address the aftermath as 'embarrassing,' highlighting a failure to deport the assailant despite warnings from federal authorities.
The attack has sparked a heated debate over Germany's migration and deportation policies. Alexander Dobrindt of the CSU pointed fingers at federal authorities, suggesting administrative failures contributed to the tragedy. The Union plans to propose stricter migration and security measures in the Bundestag, with CDU leader Friedrich Merz emphasizing the exclusion of cooperation with the AfD.
The controversy extends to disagreements between the federal government and Bavarian officials over whether timely information about the potential deportation was provided. The Bavarian government disputes receiving adequate notice from the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF).
In response, there are calls for reform in migration policy, including proposals for enhanced border controls and the establishment of national departure centers at airports. The FDP has suggested measures such as revoking social benefits for deportable asylum seekers and negotiating deportations with foreign governments.
The incident underscores the ongoing tension between state and federal responsibilities regarding deportations. Some, like Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's Interior Minister Christian Pegel, advocate for federal oversight in deportation procedures to ensure consistency and effectiveness.
