(de-news.net) – The CSU intends to prioritize migration policy in the Bundestag election campaign. Alexander Dobrindt, the head of the regional group in the Bundestag, asserted that it is a legitimate concern to prevent immigration into social welfare systems and instead encourage immigration into the labor market. He highlighted that individuals with stable employment would have a prospect of remaining in the country. Dobrindt also noted the pressure on municipalities due to asylum numbers and stressed that the Union should avoid forming a coalition with the Greens, as he considered a policy shift with them unfeasible. The CSU’s annual winter retreat will deliberate on a “security plan” advocating for the rejection of asylum seekers at German borders, the abolition of subsidiary protection, and indefinite detention in certain cases. Pro Asyl accused the Union parties of radicalizing migration policy and engaging in a populist campaign, emphasizing that many of their points are unconstitutional and violate human rights conventions.
Meanwhile, the SPD, Greens, and Left criticized CDU leader Friedrich Merz for his proposal to revoke the German citizenship of dual nationals who commit crimes. Merz had criticized the accelerated naturalization process by the traffic light coalition, noting that around 80% of the over 200,000 applicants in 2024 wished to retain their original nationality, making dual citizenship the norm. He contended that this would introduce additional problems to Germany and demanded that citizenship should be revocable in cases of criminality. SPD leader Saskia Esken accused Merz of treating naturalized citizens as second-class. Green parliamentary leader Katharina Dröge described Merz’s statements as discriminatory and detrimental to the culture of welcome.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser also rejected the Union’s demands for stricter naturalization criteria, accusing them of populism. She stated that the reform of nationality law had already made the requirements for a German passport more stringent, with clear red lines against criminals, antisemites, and those who do not support democratic principles. Faeser emphasized that the laws had been tightened more than under previous Union-led governments, ensuring that foreign criminals could not become German citizens. She also highlighted changes to laws for faster deportation of criminals and increased deportations in 2024, including serious offenders.
It’s clear that the debate is complex, balancing the need to maintain a skilled workforce with the political and social concerns surrounding immigration.
I found the discussion about the role of immigrants in addressing Germany’s labor shortages particularly compelling. With an aging population and growing demands in industries like healthcare, IT, and engineering, skilled immigration isn’t just an option; it’s a necessity for sustaining economic growth. Stricter naturalization policies might discourage talent from seeking opportunities in Germany, especially when other countries offer more flexible pathways to citizenship.
Your point about integration and language requirements is also interesting. While these are essential for fostering social cohesion, it’s important to ensure that policies don’t become overly restrictive or exclusionary, making it harder for immigrants to contribute meaningfully to the economy.