Yesterday’s federal-state summit was about a topic that now concerns large sections of the German population: curbing illegal migration. After lengthy talks, Chancellor Olaf Scholz talked about a “historic moment” in migration policy. An obvious thesis, because it is doubtful that the goal of making Germany less attractive for migrants will be achieved by the measures adopted. Aren’t these just tranquilizers for people?
Yesterday, Monday (7 November), 16 state leaders met Chancellor Scholz. The focus of the meeting was on the topic of migration – specifically, it was about reducing illegal migration and financing asylum policy. But speeding up the German ticketing and planning processes was also discussed.
Many decisions were taken after 17 hours of talks. With regard to migration, it was reportedly agreed that Germany should become less attractive as a destination country for migrants. Scholz spoke of a “very historic moment”. He said that it is possible for all levels of the state to work together.
No border closures, continued fiscal stimulus – and higher costs for taxpayers
is that so? Here is an overview of the decisions:
Asylum processes should be expedited. Its aim is to shorten the first instance proceedings at the Federal Office for Migration and the Court to a period typically of six months, i.e. a maximum of one year. For applicants from countries where the accreditation rate is less than five percent, the process should be completed in three months in the future.
Furthermore, they should border control National borders with Austria, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Poland will be maintained. There should be additional resources for personnel and digitalization. (Report24 previously reported on the fact that anyone can still get into the country with the magic word “asylum.”)
Furthermore, the federal government wants to have “in-depth discussions” in the future Make migration agreements with other countries of origin and promoting the creation of a common European asylum system at EU level. It should be examined whether the asylum procedure outside Europe is possible in compliance with the Geneva Refugee Convention and the European Convention on Human Rights.
even one Reduction in benefits for asylum seekers Decision was taken. In future, “security seekers” should receive so-called analog benefits at the rate of regular social assistance only after 36 months, and not after 18 months, as is currently the case. Until then, they will continue to receive underpayments in accordance with the Asylum Seeker Benefits Act. It was also agreed to introduce payment cards for asylum seekers and limit family reunification.
The distribution of costs in particular led to heated discussion in asylum policy. In future, the amount of federal aid will be based on the actual number of asylum seekers. From 2024, states and municipalities will receive a flat rate of 7,500 euros per refugee per year for accommodation and integration. States had previously demanded an amount of 10,500 euros per asylum application. The Chancellor described the agreement as a “historic moment”. Union politicians were much less enthusiastic about the agreement. Either way, taxpayers are likely to be apprehensive about these figures – after all, they are the ones who are having their hard-earned money snatched away to support strangers.
Germany’s ticket should remain, concreting should become easier with wind turbines
The second topic was a ticket to Germany. It should continue to exist. However, it is still unclear whether the price of 49 euros can be sustained or not. The transport ministers of the federal states must now develop a concept in good time before May 1, 2024, as funding will have to be secured by then.
Germany also wants to speed up planning and approval processes for the construction of wind turbines, power lines, railway lines and apartments. The federal and state governments have agreed to an acceleration agreement to streamline processes and reduce approval processes.
sedative pills for people
It is doubtful whether the resolutions will actually reduce illegal immigration into social systems: the measures adopted are more likely to be calming pills for angry people. As long as there are no rejections at the borders and all people with asylum status are given the right to stay in Germany, hardly anything will change. The AfD’s sensible demands that migrants should only receive benefits in kind have already been raised by politicians from the old parties, but are still not being implemented. So the stimulus continues – and Germany’s borders are open like barn doors.
Taking into account the fact that illegal mass immigration into Germany has been politically promoted for years, it is also clear that the will to correct course is missing. In any case, there was no “landmark moment” at the summit – and there will not be one under a traffic light government (at least not in the positive sense).
(TagstoTranslate)Germany(T)Summit(T)Illegal Migrant(T)Olaf Scholz
