Green Coalition States Push Federal Government for Tougher Asylum Policy
In the states of NRW, Baden-Württemberg, and Schleswig-Holstein, coalitions consisting of both the CDU and the Greens are in power. Together, these states are aiming to influence the federal government towards adopting a stricter migration policy. They are also advocating for measures that are met with criticism from the Greens at the federal level.
The three states of Baden-Württemberg, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Schleswig-Holstein are working together to push the federal government towards a more robust migration policy through a joint initiative in the federal council. Two resolution proposals from the three states, where the Greens are part of the state governments, are calling for additional measures.
According to these proposals, asylum procedures should be conducted at European external borders, making it easier and faster to deport criminals and security threats – even back to countries like Syria and Afghanistan. Those who travel back to their home country would risk losing their protected status unless they are fulfilling „moral duties,“ such as attending a funeral.
The issue of Dublin cases, where asylum applications must be processed in the EU country of first entry, is also addressed. The current transfer of individuals to other EU member states under the Dublin Regulation is described as „deficient“ in the document. The states are demanding improvements, including extended transfer deadlines, reduced benefits, and the obligation of airlines to facilitate returns.
„The society must not be defenseless“
The suspected Islamist-motivated attack in Solingen has had a profound impact on the country, as stated by the three states in their proposal to the Federal Council. They argue for the need for „new measures in the field of migration policy that quickly and efficiently ensure more order, control, limitation, and humanity in migration policy.“
In their second proposal, the states are calling for stricter measures in counterterrorism efforts. Planning an attack with a knife or a vehicle should be punishable from the preparation stage. The society must not be defenseless, they argue.
The states are presenting their list of proposals to the Federal Council, which in turn will request the federal government to approve the measures.
Differences between State and Federal Politics
While Baden-Württemberg has a Green-Black coalition in power, the other two states have Black-Green coalitions. The proposals put forward by the states also include measures that are met with opposition from the Greens at the federal level.
At the federal level, leading politicians from the CDU and CSU – including party leaders Friedrich Merz and Markus Söder – have recently distanced themselves from the Greens. This came after the CDU prime ministers of North Rhine-Westphalia and Schleswig-Holstein, Hendrik Wüst and Daniel Günther, emphasized the good cooperation with the Greens at the state level.
With information provided by Gabor Halasz, ARD Capital Studio.
