Germany's opposition leader has pledged to tighten immigration policies, including barring entry to individuals without proper documentation and increasing deportations if elected chancellor. This comes in the wake of a tragic knife attack in Aschaffenburg, where two people, including a 2-year-old boy, were killed and three others injured by a rejected asylum-seeker from Afghanistan with a history of psychiatric issues and violence.
The suspect's asylum application was denied in 2023, but authorities failed to deport him back to Bulgaria, his initial point of entry into the EU. The incident has sparked political debate, with Chancellor Olaf Scholz vowing to address security concerns and criticizing the enforcement of rules in Bavaria.
The main election challenger, Friedrich Merz, has emphasized the need for stricter migration policies, advocating for permanent border controls and immediate deportation of individuals attempting illegal entry. Merz has criticized past asylum and immigration policies, calling for a shift towards national law primacy.
The outgoing government has already implemented temporary border controls and tightened deportation laws. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser expressed skepticism about the feasibility of Merz's proposals under EU regulations and cautioned against exploiting the tragedy for political gain.
The recent attacks in Aschaffenburg, Mannheim, and Solingen involving immigrants have heightened concerns about security and immigration policies. Mainstream parties are facing pressure from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which has gained significant support due to migration-related issues.
The AfD's candidate for chancellor, Alice Weidel, has called for closing Germany's borders and returning irregular migrants. Despite a decrease in asylum applications and an increase in deportations, opposition politicians are urging for more efforts to deport criminals, particularly to Afghanistan.
