German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) is pushing for a compromise in the country’s migration policy between her party and the Christian Democratic Union (CDU).
“I believe a compromise between the Union and SPD in migration policy is necessary and possible” Faeser told the Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung. “We share the common goal of a strong and effective rule of law and steering and ordering migration.” She thinks it is possible to find solutions in the democratic middle ground. The SPD also wants to further restrict irregular migration.
Faeser signaled her openness to changes, stating, “Our bills for implementing the Common European Asylum System are on the table. This way, we can achieve more control, a fair distribution and procedures already at the external borders, so that people with little prospect of protection do not even attempt to come to Germany. The Union has also pushed for this in the EU and we have achieved it” she said. “Of course, we are ready for sensible changes and additions.” A consensus would be a good signal.
However, the minister warned against rejecting asylum seekers at the borders, as demanded by CDU chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz. “If we put this European cooperation at risk, more asylum seekers will come to Germany, not fewer. Because then others will no longer abide by their obligations” Faeser said.