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Germany to Reduce Asylum Seeker Numbers by Over Half
Berlin intends to significantly decrease the number of asylum seekers entering the country, with a planned reduction of 54%. Incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has pledged to implement measures aimed at alleviating pressure on vital public services, such as schools and hospitals. This commitment follows recent elections where immigration policy was a central concern, highlighted by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party achieving a notable second-place result on an anti-immigration platform.
New Policies to Curb Asylum Influx
The incoming Chancellor aims to oversee a continued decline in asylum figures, building upon reductions seen in the past year. Merz stated in a television interview that “Our stance is that these numbers must decrease considerably. Six-digit figures are no longer sustainable – towns, communities, schools, hospitals and vital infrastructure are overburdened.”
He further commented on the evolving political landscape in Europe, noting previous unsuccessful attempts at policy change in Germany. “Significant shifts have occurred across Europe. Many attempts to implement changes in Germany have faltered in recent years. However, this will not persist moving forward,” Merz asserted.
Coalition Formed, Immigration Reform Prioritized
Merz’s CDU recently announced a coalition agreement with the center-left Social Democrats (SPD), reaffirming their commitment not to collaborate with the AfD.
The substantial level of support for a far-right party, unprecedented in post-war Germany, underscores the electorate’s focus on immigration issues.
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Stricter Rules for Asylum and Citizenship
The planned reduction aims to limit asylum claims to approximately 100,000 individuals annually. Achieving this target hinges on implementing stricter immigration regulations, including ending the automatic right for asylum seekers to obtain German citizenship after three years of residency.
Under revised guidelines, prospective citizens will be eligible to apply for citizenship after five years of residency, contingent on demonstrating successful integration into German society.
Border Controls and Deportation Measures
Key Policy Changes Announced
Following the coalition announcement, Merz outlined the forthcoming migration policy direction in a joint press conference:
- “We will embark on a revised approach to migration policy.”
- “We will improve organization and management, aiming to largely eliminate irregular migration.”
- “Controls will be reinstated at national borders, alongside the return of asylum seekers directly at the border.”
- “Deportations will be intensified, voluntary admission programs terminated, and family reunification policies suspended.”
Germany’s Role in Asylum Applications
Germany emerged as the primary destination for asylum seekers in the preceding year, registering 235,925 applications for the right to remain in the country.