Clara Bünger, domestic policy spokesperson for the Left Party, has voiced strong criticism of recent announcements by Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt regarding the continuation of border controls and planned deportations to Afghanistan and Syria. Bünger argued that Dobrindt is engaging in symbolic politics at the expense of vulnerable groups, alleging that individuals are being removed from psychiatric facilities and deported. She stated that organizing flights to conflict zones is a costly measure that doesn’t enhance security.
The jurist contested the narrative that deportations improve life in Germany, asserting that they do not address issues such as pensions or public safety and instead exacerbate racial tensions and societal divisions. She cited the extension of border controls as an example, claiming that individuals seeking refuge are being turned away without proper assessment, despite court rulings to the contrary. Bünger characterized Dobrindt’s policies as a violation of fundamental rights and a shift towards increasingly right-wing political standards, distancing them from responsible governance.
Marcel Emmerich, domestic policy spokesperson for the Green Party, also criticized the Interior Minister. He described Dobrindt’s border policies as unlawful and unjustified, pointing to a continuation of the measures without legal basis or necessity. Emmerich further argued that Dobrindt is disregarding court decisions, the rule of law and criticism from federal police, economic associations, NGOs and cross-border commuters. He accused the minister of prioritizing symbolic gestures over effective policy.
Emmerich also stated that, given low migration numbers and rising costs associated with justifying increased border measures, the government cannot demonstrate a serious threat to public order or internal security. He further warned that diverting federal police resources to border control, instead of addressing domestic security vulnerabilities, is a risk to internal safety.
