Esken's Warning on Migration Policy Measures

Esken's Critical Perspective on Migration Measures

In light of upcoming asylum discussions between the coalition government and the opposition, SPD leader Saskia Esken has expressed her concerns over the potential for overreaching measures by the CDU and CSU. Esken stresses that while regulating irregular migration is necessary, it must be based on legally sound foundations. 'We cannot simply disregard EU law and the Basic Law,' she stated.

Esken criticized many demands surrounding migration as politically motivated and potentially inflaming the debate further. 'There is no need for resentment to regulate migration; effective policy is required,' she continued, supporting the federal government's proposed security package as an appropriate response to threats from Islamist violence.

Collaboration and Concerns in Migration Discussions

• Esken agrees with the opposition that Islamist offenders should lose their right to protection and face deportation.
• She maintains, however, that Germany must also present a welcoming face to attract foreign skilled workers.
• The government aims to discuss migration policy with the Union on Tuesday.
• CDU chief Friedrich Merz has set conditions related to border deportations before continuing discussions.

The Union's frustrations over lack of clarity regarding deportation policies led to doubts about the Tuesday meeting's viability. Last week, government and Union representatives met, and the Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has initiated border controls on the German land borders as a measure against irregular migration. 'Unfortunately, she did not provide details in our conversation,' Frei noted.

Skepticism from the police union about border controls arose, with questions surrounding implementation feasibility amidst high workloads faced by police. Concerns also echoed in the business sector, where limitations on freedom of movement could disrupt logistics and increase costs.