(de-news.net) – Ahead of continued coalition talks with the CDU/CSU, SPD co-chair Lars Klingbeil has rejected the option of de facto border closures. He argued that such closures were neither feasible at the national level nor prudent in terms of European policy. Germany should not resort to sealing its borders in Europe, he said. In contrast, CDU leader Friedrich Merz had previously pledged to implement measures to reject all attempts at illegal entry on the first day of his potential chancellorship.

Several SPD representatives have also expressed caution regarding agreements with the Union that might lead to stricter migration policies. Tim Klüssendorf, representing the Parliamentary Left within the SPD, emphasized that recent reforms, such as the security package and the Common European Asylum System, necessitate decisive implementation, leaving minimal scope for further restrictions. He firmly opposed de facto border closures, deeming them incompatible with SPD principles. Sebastian Roloff criticized some of the Union’s migration demands as potentially unconstitutional, advocating for adherence to European and constitutional law in negotiations. He stressed the importance of fostering integration through measures that support municipalities in accommodating refugees and enhancing their access to the labor market. Helge Lindh, on his part, advocated for a pragmatic approach, discouraging a competition of extreme demands. He argued for ensuring the practical feasibility of existing regulations rather than introducing new ones. Lindh supported SPD leader Lars Klingbeil’s stance against border closures.