Around 180 new migrants arrive in Hesse alone every day. Caring for them costs a lot of money. Before the new refugee summit in Berlin, the states are demanding more help from the federal government.
Shortly before an eagerly awaited top meeting, the chairman of the Prime Minister’s Conference is insisting on more money from the federal government to care for the refugees.
Hesse’s head of government Boris Rhein (CDU) told the German Press Agency in Wiesbaden in view of the significant increase in the number of migrants nationwide: “This year alone, the costs of asylum and refugee-related expenditure by the states add up to 17.6 billion euros. In addition There will be a further 5.7 billion euros in costs that will be borne by the municipalities.”
Return to the breathing system
According to Rhein, the federal government is contributing only 3.75 billion euros to these costs this year and wants to reduce the amount to 1.25 billion euros for 2024. From the perspective of the states, this is unacceptable because the federal government is responsible for the cities and municipalities leaves them alone with their problems.” The Prime Ministers want to discuss the financing of refugees with Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) in Berlin on Monday (November 6th). “The states are very much in agreement here,” emphasized Rhein – even though there are five different party books in the line-up of prime ministers.
According to the Hessian head of government, the federal states are calling for a return to the so-called breathing system: the more people come, the more the federal government has to pay. “Specifically, we want a three-pillar model: a general flat rate for unaccompanied minor foreigners of 1.25 billion euros, a per capita flat rate of at least 10,500 euros, which, given the current access situation, amounts to around 3.4 billion euros summed up, as well as the full assumption of the accommodation costs of around 1.4 billion euros,” explained Rhein. “Such a system is only fair, because the federal government alone has the key to controlling and limiting the number of refugees.”
Discussion about payment cards for asylum seekers
There will also be discussion in Berlin on Monday about a payment card for asylum seekers instead of cash: “That can reduce the incentive to come to Germany. But the payment card only makes sense if it is introduced nationwide,” explained Rhein.
In addition, the federal government must conclude more functioning repatriation agreements with other countries. Otherwise, the federal states, “which are supposed to organize the returns, would not be able to deport rejected asylum seekers.”
Last Wednesday, Rhein said in Wiesbaden that an average of around 180 refugees had come to Hesse alone every day over the past four weeks. “Of course we are aware of our humanitarian responsibility,” said the Christian Democrat. In view of the lack of apartments, daycare and school places, he added: “But we are at our limit.” This endangers the care of those seeking protection and the acceptance of citizens. In addition, “the ability of democracy to act” must be preserved so that the political fringes do not become stronger.
Source: Stern
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