CDU Secretary General Carsten Linnemann Defends Party’s Migration Policy Strategy
Linnemann rejected the criticism that the CDU’s proposal for a “Zustrombegrenzungsgesetz” (a law to limit the influx of migrants) failed to pass in the Bundestag due to the AfD’s support. “Do we have to put necessary measures on the backburner just because the wrong people could agree?” he asked in an interview with the Handelsblatt.
Linnemann accused the SPD of “tactical calculation for their campaign” after the CDU’s proposal for the “Zustrombegrenzungsgesetz” failed to pass in the Bundestag. The proposal had been discussed and received a positive recommendation in the Bundestag, he said.
Regarding the estimated 89 billion euros in costs for the CDU’s and CSU’s election promises, Linnemann considered them serious and emphasized the need to set priorities. “We’re not doing it overnight, but in four stages, so that we’ll have the complete relief at the end of the legislative period” he said. “It’s roughly 7.5 billion euros per year and that can be managed.”
Linnemann also viewed the second term of Donald Trump as a positive challenge, stating, “Donald Trump is at least a chance for us to wake up in Europe.” “The difference is that we talk and talk, but don’t act. Trump acts.” He is doing what many citizens expected, Linnemann said and the CDU should now take action as well.