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POLITICS

German conservatives look to tighten migration conditions

The party likely to win national German elections in 2025 unveiled a new policy program Monday. Among other measures, the Christian Democrats are looking to make acknowledgment of Israel’s right to exist and integration into German culture prerequisites for residence and citizenship.

Published: 11 December 2023 16:42 CET
The German conservative CDU's new logo.
The German conservative CDU's new logo. TPhoto: picture alliance/dpa | Kay Nietfeld

The German CDU has released a draft of its new guiding principles, which it’s preparing ahead of federal elections in two years – after having lost power in 2021.

As a draft program, it still could see amendments. But it already signifies a more conservative turn on migration policy than the CDU had under the leadership of previous Chancellor Angela Merkel – who led the CDU for 18 years.

The draft commits the CDU to the German principle of Leitkultur – or “dominant culture”.

“Everyone who wants to live here must recognise our guiding culture without any ifs or buts,” it reads. The CDU says this includes upholding the principles of the German constitution, such as human dignity, rule of law, and the recognition of Israel’s right to exist.

“Only those who commit to our dominant culture can integrate and become German citizens,” it reads. The CDU had recently called for an acknowledgement of Israel’s right to exist to be added to the requirements for someone choosing to take German citizenship.

“Sharia does not belong to Germany,” it read. “Muslims who share our values belong to Germany.”

The CDU also advocates for a compulsory German language test for resident children from the age of four and are looking to tighten up asylum law by putting in an upper limit onto the number of applications Germany will accept every year. The party doesn’t say though, what the limit should be.

State elections: What the results tells us about the future of German politics

Changes to retirement and overtime

The CDU proposes linking retirement age to life expectancy, and awarding people who choose to continue working after hitting retirement age with extra tax benefits.

The party is also looking to get rid of taxes put on any overtime work a person does – encouraging people to work longer hours.

Recent polls see the CDU winning the next election, although it would need to negotiate with at least one other party to be able to govern in a coalition.

READ ALSO: What’s behind Germany’s obsession with roundtable politics talk shows

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POLITICS

German president decries ‘violence’ in politics after attacks

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said Thursday he was worried by the growing trend of violence towards politicians after a series of attacks on lawmakers at work or on the campaign trail.

Published: 23 May 2024 14:29 CEST
German president decries 'violence' in politics after attacks

“We must never get used to violence in the battle of political opinions,” Steinmeier said at an event to mark the 75th anniversary of the German constitution.

The basic law, promulgated in 1949, was a response to Germany’s experience with political violence during World War II, Steinmeier said.

“No one knew better than the mothers and fathers of the constitution how violence undermines a democracy and tears down its foundations,” Steinmeier said.

READ ALSO: ‘Grundgesetz’ – what does Germany’s Basic Law really mean?

The threat of political violence had again reared its head in Germany, the president said.

“We have received news of physical attacks on elected officials and politically active people almost every day,” he said.

“I am deeply concerned about the coarsening of political life in our country.”

READ ALSO: How politically motivated crimes are rising in Germany 

Earlier this month, police arrested a man on suspicion of hitting a former mayor of Berlin in the head during a visit to a public library.

Franziska Giffey, who is now the Berlin state economy minister and a member of Scholz’s Social Democratic Party (SPD), was treated in hospital for light injuries.

Giffey’s assault came just days after a European member of parliament, also from the SPD, had to be hospitalised after four people attacked him while he was out canvassing.

READ ALSO: Why are German politicians facing increasing attacks?

Senior members of the government have also been confronted by angry mobs in recent months, with Economy Minister Robert Habeck blocked from leaving a ferry by a group of protesters.

In his speech, Steinmeier also recalled the politically motivated murder of the conservative politician Walter Luebcke by neo-Nazis in 2019.

“His death is a reminder of how hate can turn into violence,” Steinmeier said.

This week also saw proceedings open against the alleged ringleaders of a group who are said to have planned to storm the German parliament and overthrow the government.

The group of so-called Reichsbuerger, who deny the legitimacy of the modern German republic, allegedly planned to take MPs hostage and had compiled “lists of enemies” to be eliminated, according to prosecutors.

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