Before federal-state summit: Union pushes for asylum procedures in third countries

Before the federal-state summit in Berlin, the leaders of the CDU and CSU called on the federal government to take much more decisive action against irregular migration. “The citizens now expect concrete results instead of ever new announcements,” CDU leader Friedrich Merz told the newspapers of the Funke Media Group.

CSU leader Markus Söder called for more speed in the implementation of the deportation of serious criminals to Afghanistan and Syria announced by Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD). “Instead of always emphasizing the same ideological concerns, the Federal Foreign Minister must immediately hold talks with the Taliban and the Assad regime,” demanded the Bavarian Prime Minister in the “Augsburger Allgemeine”.

Bremen’s head of government Andreas Bovenschulte does not believe that the idea of ​​asylum procedures in third countries is a suitable way to curb migration. The vast majority of experts believe that the model would be complicated, expensive and hardly compatible with international law, said the SPD politician in the ARD “Morgenmagazin” before the consultations. It has been discussed for ten years and many countries have considered it. However, by the standards of the proponents, it has not been successfully implemented anywhere. One exception is the Australian model, which has been heavily criticized by human rights activists.

Faeser wants to take a position on asylum procedures in third countries

The state premiers are meeting with Scholz today for regular consultations, which will focus on migration policy. The CDU-led states are particularly keen to enable asylum procedures in third countries outside the European Union. Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) has had this examined by experts, many of whom are skeptical. The results will be discussed at the meeting. Faeser also wants to take a position on the issue.

Deportation to Afghanistan is also likely to be an issue

The planned relaxation of the deportation ban for Syria and Afghanistan will also be discussed. The problem: Afghanistan is ruled by the radical Islamic Taliban, while Syria is ruled by dictator Bashar al-Assad. No one wants to negotiate with either of them about the return of their citizens, so they are looking for detours via neighboring countries.

The chairman of the Conference of Minister Presidents, Boris Rhein (CDU), is demanding that the federal government make clear statements on limiting irregular migration at the meeting. “The federal government must now deliver on key issues of migration policy.” The limit of what citizens and many cities and municipalities can handle has long since been reached. “We see this in schools, in daycare centers and on the housing market.”

Rhein: Scholz must make repatriation agreement a top priority

Among other things, Rhein called for greater efforts to conclude repatriation agreements. “I expect the Chancellor himself to lead the negotiations with the relevant countries and make the issue a top priority.” In doing so, levers such as the withdrawal of visa commitments and even the cancellation of development aid must be used.

Compulsory insurance for natural hazards is the second important issue

In addition to migration, the meeting will address the introduction of compulsory natural hazard insurance, for example in the event of flood disasters. The Federal Council called for this on Friday in light of the recent extreme weather events. However, Federal Justice Minister Marco Buschmann rejects this. The FDP politician is instead relying on an obligation for insurers to offer insurance. Nationwide, only about every second house is financially protected against floods, heavy rain, landslides or snow pressure with natural hazard insurance – although the risks are increasing due to climate change.