Asylum Policy: Behrens 'Very Optimistic' After Federal-State Meeting

Representatives of the federal and state governments discussed security and migration policy. Lower Saxony's Interior Minister Behrens expressed optimism that broad measures with strong support can be adopted.

The 'security package' of the traffic light coalition envisages steps to return rejected asylum seekers, combat Islamist terrorism and tighten gun laws as a consequence of the attack in Solingen. The representatives of the Union, led by Thorsten Frei (CDU), called for a limitation of irregular migration, as the announcements of the traffic light coalition did not go far enough for them.

Hesse represented the Union, Lower Saxony the SPD in the deliberations. The talks are to be continued next week, but a specific date has not yet been set.