A German politician, Boris Rhein, the Minister-President of Hesse and a member of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has called on the Social Democratic Party (SPD) to shift its migration policy to align with the Union’s course.
According to an interview with the Handelsblatt, Rhein emphasized the need to bring illegal migration to a standstill, stating, “Returns at the borders and a stop to family reunification are essential for a policy change.”
The European Court of Justice has made several rulings clarifying that, due to the right to respect for private and family life, minor asylum seekers have a right to family reunification. The court also sets high standards for the rejection of asylum seekers.
Rhein stated that the next four years will be decisive, adding, “The SPD knows this. We must now prove that we can solve the problems from the democratic middle.”
He warned the SPD against being overconfident in the coalition negotiations, saying, “16.4 percent in a federal election is already significant. I wouldn’t have too much self-assurance there.” The focus should be on “achieving something together” for the state. “I am certain that the social democrats have the greatest interest in this land not falling into the hands of radicals.