Germany is grappling with a significant immigration crisis. As of mid-2024, the country has seen a surge in asylum seekers, with numbers reaching 3.5 million, including over 1.18 million from Ukraine. This influx has strained resources and heightened public concern.
In response, Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Unio
CDU), has proposed stringent measures to curb illegal immigration. These include reinstating permanent border controls and expediting deportations. Merz has also suggested declaring a ‘national emergency’ to prioritize national law over EU regulations, aiming to regain control over Germany’s borders.
However, the German government has denied reports of declaring such an emergency. Government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius clarified that Chancellor Merz has not instituted a national emergency, countering earlier claims by Die Welt.
The debate over immigration policy has intensified following several violent incidents involving asylum seekers. Merz has criticized the current asylum and immigration policies as misguided, emphasizing the need for reform to ensure public safety and order
As Germany approaches its federal elections, immigration remains a central issue, with parties across the spectrum proposing various solutions to address the challenges posed by the current crisis.