A draft policy paper circulating within the CSU (Christian Social Union) parliamentary group, slated for discussion at their upcoming Seeon retreat, is drawing sharp criticism from the SPD (Social Democratic Party) and the Green Party, raising concerns about a shift towards populist and potentially counterproductive migration policies.
The CSU proposal, as reported by several German media outlets, advocates for a significant acceleration of deportations, including a proposed “large-scale deportation offensive” beginning in 2026 targeting Syrian refugees and extending to Afghanistan. The document also calls for a stricter approach towards Ukrainian refugees, particularly those of fighting age, urging them to contribute to their nation’s defense.
SPD politician Ralf Stegner condemned the CSU’s plans as “populist politics entirely without substance” asserting that such measures contradict the coalition agreement between the CDU/CSU and the SPD. While acknowledging the agreement’s commitment to the consistent return of convicted criminals, Stegner emphasized that this does not warrant abandoning humanitarian principles or engaging in a “competition” with right-wing populist forces. He specifically questioned the feasibility and ethical implications of deporting refugees to war-torn regions like Syria and potentially penalizing Ukrainian war refugees, particularly given Germany’s professed solidarity with Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.
Sebastian Fiedler, another SPD interior policy expert, underscored the ongoing negotiations regarding the implementation of the European Asylum Support System (EASO), stating that Germany’s focus should remain on fulfilling existing commitments rather than pursuing unilateral and publicly highlighted deportation targets. He expressed skepticism that adding further targeted regions to a deportation list would be productive, especially given the ongoing efforts aligned with the coalition agreement.
The Green Party’s Marcel Emmerich accused the CSU of being “trapped in an anti-asylum mania” that risks jeopardizing Germany’s economic future. He warned against reversing the progress made in integrating Syrian refugees, many of whom now fill critical roles in essential sectors, including care, construction, logistics, industry and crafts. “Deporting these individuals would deprive companies of desperately needed labor, destroy already invested integration and training efforts and worsen the existing labor and skills shortage” Emmerich stated.
The proposed CSU measures risk undermining Germany’s economic competitiveness and betraying the integration efforts invested in Syrian communities, while also potentially fueling the rise of extremist ideologies. The political fallout from the Seeon retreat is anticipated to be significant, with the SPD and Greens likely to vigorously oppose any radical policy shifts that deviate from the existing coalition agreement and fundamental humanitarian principles.
