Following recent violent incidents in Germany, CDU leader Friedrich Merz has proposed measures to address migration and internal security concerns, aiming to strengthen the party’s position ahead of elections. Despite the Union’s lack of a parliamentary majority with the AfD, Merz calls for collaboration on migration policies. Key proposals include expanding federal police powers and implementing stricter border controls, though these face skepticism from the SPD and concerns about compliance with European law.
CDU Leader Merz Proposes New Measures Following Violence in Aschaffenburg
In light of the tragic violence that unfolded in Aschaffenburg, CDU leader Friedrich Merz has initiated a series of proposals aimed at addressing pressing migration and internal security concerns. As the Union seeks to strengthen its position before the upcoming elections, these measures also serve as a message to potential coalition partners. What insights do experts provide regarding this initiative?
The Aftermath of Tragedy and Political Pressure
Recent violent incidents, including those in Solingen, Mannheim, and Magdeburg, have escalated concerns around migration in Germany. The recent attack, which tragically involved a toddler and a young helper, has reignited questions about the presence of certain individuals in Germany who sought refuge. With elections on the horizon, political parties are feeling the urgency to respond to these critical issues.
Merz, who is also the Union’s candidate for chancellor, has expressed a desire to prioritize migration and refugee policies in the Bundestag. He has indicated a willingness to collaborate with the AfD, stating the necessity of voting on proposals regardless of party affiliations. While such alliances may occur, the explicit communication of potential collaboration with the AfD is notably uncommon.
Despite the Union’s intentions, they do not hold a parliamentary majority alongside the AfD. The Sahra Wagenknecht alliance has been the only group openly indicating support for the Union’s proposals. CSU leader Markus Söder has suggested that the issue of collaborating with the AfD should not even be a consideration, expecting that the SPD and Greens will engage with their proposals instead.
The Union’s messages appear to signal to the SPD, Greens, and FDP that coalition opportunities may hinge on their cooperation with the Union’s agenda. However, the Greens have dismissed these initiatives as lacking feasibility, with parliamentary group manager Irene Mihalic calling it populism to imply substantive progress is forthcoming.
Proposed Changes to Federal Police Authority
One of the key proposals from the Union includes granting new powers to federal police, allowing them to apply for arrest warrants, a responsibility that currently lies solely with public prosecutors. This proposed change has drawn immediate skepticism from the SPD, highlighting the legal limitations on police authority in Germany.
Friedrich Merz has consistently stated his commitment to halting irregular migration, emphasizing that his first act as chancellor would involve implementing stringent border controls. According to migration expert Daniel Thym, the Schengen Border Code allows for such controls under specific internal security threats, a stance that Merz supports in light of recent events.
However, the SPD warns that Merz’s approach could violate European law, specifically referencing the Dublin III Regulation, which outlines protocols for determining the responsibility of EU member states in handling asylum cases. Migration expert Thym notes that dismissing these regulations as ineffective is a theoretical argument and does not reflect the realities of European law.
Winfried Kluth, a former constitutional judge, indicates that a national state of emergency is not currently justified, casting further doubt on the feasibility of Merz’s proposals. Nevertheless, if Merz ascends to the chancellorship and garners support from his coalition partners, he may pursue these initiatives without necessitating directive competence.
The unfolding political landscape surrounding these proposals will undoubtedly shape the upcoming election, as migration issues take center stage in the discourse.