German Cities and Municipalities Association Chief Executive André Berghegger has urged the federal government and states to take further steps to reduce the number of refugees.
Berghegger, speaking at the Interior Ministers’ Conference, emphasized that local authorities are still at the limit in terms of accommodating, providing for and integrating refugees. He stressed that a sustainable reduction of illegal migration must be achieved.
The association’s chief executive expects the interior ministers of the states to continue working consistently towards this goal. Although the current decline in asylum applications has given cities and municipalities a much-needed breathing space, Berghegger warned that the situation in local authorities is still under immense pressure.
Berghegger called for new processes in administration, suggesting that the federal government should take over responsibility for the repatriation of asylum-seekers with a legal obligation to leave the country. This, he believes, would alleviate the burden on the often heavily strained foreign authorities.
Furthermore, Berghegger proposed the launch of a repatriation offensive for refugees without a prospect of staying, which would involve the examination of federal return centers. At the same time, he emphasized the need for a clear focus on integration.