German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser stated on Tuesday that the center-left-led coalition government has effectively managed immigration, despite rising political pressure on mainstream parties to reduce migrant inflows. Faeser advocated for a more nuanced discussion on migration and asylum policy, emphasizing that posturing and gimmicks would not resolve associated challenges.
Faeser highlighted the government’s success in balancing the reduction of irregular migration with increased appeal to skilled workers. Since 2021, immigration of skilled workers rose by 77%, while asylum applications halved and deportations increased by 55%. She underscored how Germany has become more attractive to talented and qualified workers from around the globe, while also curbing irregular immigration.
The minister stressed the importance of presenting data and facts to counter the polarization surrounding migration policy. Faeser also acknowledged the significant increase in visas issued for employment purposes, up from approximately 97,000 in 2021 to 172,000 in the previous year. Additionally, she reported a decline in initial asylum applications by nearly 100,000 in 2024, dropping below 230,000.
Conroversy has emerged over the right to asylum, with the President of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, Hans-Eckhard Sommer, proposing a shift towards humanitarian admission programs devoid of individual asylum rights. Faeser, representing the Social Democratic Party (SPD), opposed this idea, stating that the right to asylum is not up for debate for the SPD. She argued that such programs and quotas are ineffective in eliminating migration and war refugees, a stance echoing the policies of no European country.
Faeser’s stance contrasts with that of Friedrich Merz, the conservative leader who won the February 23 election with 28.5% of the votes, though less than expected. Merz has pledged a tougher stance on immigration but stated he will not cooperate with the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany party (AfD).
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/germany-interior-minister-defends-record-on-migration/a-72105520?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
