BERLIN – Incoming German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced on Sunday his administration’s goal to reduce annual asylum applications to below 100,000. The move is part of the newly formed coalition agreement between his conservative CDU/CSU bloc and the center-left SPD, aimed at addressing mounting pressure on public services and infrastructure.
In 2024, Germany received nearly 230,000 new asylum requests. “The strain on our cities, communities, schools, hospitals, and infrastructure has reached a critical point,” Merz said in an interview with ARD. “The yearly figure must no longer remain in the six-digit range,” he emphasized, reaffirming a core campaign promise.
A Repatriation Push and Stricter Border Controls
As part of the coalition’s immigration policy, Merz confirmed plans to suspend family reunification for migrants and launch a “repatriation offensive” focused on deporting individuals residing illegally in the country. He also expressed intentions to reject asylum seekers at Germany’s borders, citing ongoing discussions with neighboring countries to ensure coordinated border enforcement.
The CDU leader highlighted that Germany’s current migration model is “unsustainable,” signaling a shift toward more restrictive asylum policies.
Immigration: A Key Election Issue
Immigration was a decisive theme in the recent snap parliamentary elections held in February. The issue sparked intense debate between the CDU/CSU and SPD during coalition talks. The newly negotiated agreement outlines measures to streamline asylum procedures, expedite deportations, and reduce the overall number of incoming migrants.
Germany’s new government is expected to be formally sworn in by early May.
Merz’s approach mirrors wider European efforts to tighten asylum rules amid rising public concern over integration and national security. For full coverage of Europe’s migration policy shifts, visit Live World Updates.
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