The recent knife attack in Solingen has sparked a debate over asylum policy in Germany. CDU leader Friedrich Merz has called for tougher measures, including a stop on admitting refugees from Afghanistan and Syria and the rejection of all refugees from safe third countries.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz and the government spokesman have rejected these demands. The proposals are related to the upcoming state elections in Thuringia and Saxony.
Sahra Wagenknecht from the BSW alliance supports similar demands, while the Paritätischer Gesamtverband and managing director Joachim Rock criticize them as attacks on the fundamental and human rights of refugees. The Federal Constitutional Court has set narrow limits on cuts in benefits for asylum seekers.
The German government plans to hold talks with the conservative opposition and federal states to discuss the response to the Solingen knife attack. The debate also includes issues of Islamist terror, deportation, and weapon laws.
The opposition demands tough asylum measures, with FDP's Christian Lindner open to their suggestions. Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck of the Greens warns of populist reactions, as the far-right AfD pressures the CDU.
The EU-Kommission and several EU member states have rejected calls for deportations to Syria, citing safety concerns. The debate highlights the challenges and complexities of asylum and migration policy in Germany and the EU.
