Berlin’s Governing Mayor Kai Wegner Supports Government’s Asylum Rejection Policies at Borders
Berlin’s Governing Mayor, Kai Wegner of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has expressed his support for the government’s stance on rejecting asylum seekers at the borders, despite a recent court ruling. Wegner believes that the rejection of asylum claims is a legitimate measure to curb irregular migration to Germany.
The Berlin Administrative Court had previously ruled that the rejection of three asylum seekers was unlawful, but Wegner views this as an isolated case that is being reviewed. He shares the opinion of Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt that rejections are legally possible.
Wegner emphasized the need to stop irregular migration to Germany, stating, “We must finally stop the illegal migration to Germany.” He believes that rejections are only one part of a broader package of measures needed to achieve this goal. In addition to restrictions on family reunification and return agreements with countries of origin, Wegner advocates for more effective deportations, the expulsion of migrants to safer countries of origin and a stronger protection of the EU’s external borders.
The mayor also attributes the current decline in migration to Germany to decisions made by the previous government, particularly the new approach to border control by the Federal Police under the previous Interior Minister, Nancy Faeser. Wegner claims that the arrival numbers in Berlin have decreased since the police began to better secure the borders.
Wegner believes that the influx of refugees hinders integration, stating, “The high number of refugees makes integration more difficult.” He argues that the necessary resources, such as personnel, guidance and language support, are lacking and therefore, the focus should be on those who are truly in need of protection. “Only then can we provide integration in society and the labor market” he said.