The proposal by the Christian Union to strip German passports from convicted criminals holding dual citizenship has ignited a fierce political backlash, primarily from within the ruling coalition government. Green Party representatives are accusing the move as a cynical attempt to deflect attention from deeper societal issues and potentially bolster the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD).
Omid Nouripour, Green Party MP and Vice-President of the Bundestag, sharply criticized the initiative, arguing that the Christian Union should focus on substantive solutions for security and integration rather than resorting to what he termed “symbolic debates” that could unsettle millions. He urged both coalition partners to abandon rigid positions and engage in constructive dialogue.
Filiz Polat, Parliamentary Manager of the Green Party faction, condemned the proposal as a “transparent and perfidious attempt to reclaim dual citizenship by the backdoor” dismissing it as having little to do with actual security concerns. Polat directly linked the move to a recent and arguably faltering, debate regarding urban spaces, suggesting it was a calculated diversionary tactic. She warned that such “constitutionally questionable demands” would damage societal cohesion and inadvertently benefit the AfD. Polat expressed confidence that the Social Democratic Party (SPD) would decisively reject the proposal.
The push for passport revocation stems from Christian Union politicians, including Stephan Mayer, who, speaking to “Bild”, advocated for the measure as a deterrent against serious crime committed by individuals holding dual nationality. The move highlights deepening divisions within German politics and underscores the ongoing debate surrounding integration, citizenship and national identity, particularly in the context of rising concerns about public safety. Critics contend that the proposal is not only legally dubious but also risks alienating segments of the population and ultimately serves to exacerbate political polarization.
