Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) confirmed that despite a noticeable decrease in migration numbers, the German government intends to maintain border controls. Speaking to the ARD’s “Report from Berlin” on Sunday, Dobrindt emphasized that these controls are currently necessary and that deportations are still actively taking place at the borders. The minister cited the capacity to execute 8,000 arrest warrants at the border. However, he added that in the medium term, the federal government aims for the European migration system to become sufficiently functional that Germany can eventually phase out border controls, though he stressed that defining the timeline for this is premature.
Regarding deportations to Afghanistan, the government remains committed to its policy, even if it requires direct negotiations with Taliban representatives. When criticized for this approach, Dobrindt argued that critics must consider the implications for Germany: “Anyone who advances the argument that I deport criminals, severe criminals, rapists, or murder suspects to Afghanistan must, conversely, ask: Would Germany be a safe place if these people were allowed to stay here? No, and that is why they are deported”.
Addressing the political rhetoric surrounding social policy, Dobrindt warned against allowing substantive debates to devolve into a stalemate. He criticized the SPD’s use of the May 1st date, calling it akin to the CSU’s Ash Wednesday, suggesting such political maneuvers should be classified appropriately. He concluded that the key to progress lies in working collaboratively and building trust. This requires multiple elements to be brought to the table for discussion-even if they are ultimately rejected-to arrive at a shared common ground. He noted that a specific reform project concerning the labor market is already scheduled to be addressed at an upcoming coalition committee meeting.
