FDP Leader Seeks Migration Agreements with Syria and Afghanistan
Speaking at an event hosted by the “Münchner Merkur” and the “tz” of “Ippen-Media”, Christian Lindner, the leader of the Free Democratic Party (FDP), called for a migration agreement with Afghanistan and Syria. Lindner, who is also the party’s top candidate, criticized the current migration policy of the German government, saying that it is not sustainable in the long run.
“It’s not possible for everyone to stay in Germany” Lindner said in Munich. “I believe that we should conclude return agreements with Afghanistan and soon with Syria.” He emphasized that countries are not “Westminster democracies” and that there is no global freedom of movement, where individuals can simply choose the country of their dreams. “We decide who can stay here” he added.
Lindner argued that without controls on migration, any social security system would inevitably collapse. “Our social state is too generous in some respects” he said.
The FDP had previously, in January, passed a resolution calling for the elimination of legal and practical obstacles to deportations in the context of German foreign policy, including through talks with Afghanistan and Syria. The party continues to advocate for asylum procedures in third countries. As for those with a right to stay, Lindner advocated for faster access to the labor market. “For those who are already here, we need to improve labor market integration” he said.