Expansion of border controls and yes to EU asylum reform: Chancellor Scholz sees it ARD-Interview the traffic light government is responsible for acting “clearly” on the issue of migration – and criticizes CDU leader Merz.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz has recognized the urgency that the topic of migration has assumed among the population. He is in favor of expanding border controls, including on the border with Poland, and is angry about the Polish visa scandal: “It can’t be the case that a lot of visas were apparently issued for money, when one has to fear that many with such visas also moved on to Germany,” said Scholz.
That is why measures on the border with Poland on the German side must also be strengthened. A clear message to Warsaw. But Poland won’t like that with the many commuters who cross the border into Germany every day.
Scholz considers it problematic to classify the Maghreb states as safe countries of origin. “We know that there are difficult political conditions in these countries and that citizens face persecution.” The government still wants to give people protection if they are persecuted. Anyone who stays here even though they are not in need of protection must return to their home country, says Scholz – and quickly. We have to do this better than in the past.
Work for asylum seekers: “There is more”
Scholz is pragmatic when it comes to allowing asylum seekers in Germany to accept work. In many cases this is already possible. “But there is more. I share the understanding of many people who say: If there is work that needs to be done and there is someone who could do it, then they should do it.” He also has nothing against it if this happens in individual cases during charitable work. However, one should not confuse the issues of flight and persecution with labor immigration, said Scholz.
The topic of the pull effect is currently being hotly debated again: that Germany is the most attractive country in Europe for refugees because people here receive high social benefits, especially in the form of money. The Chancellor has nothing against giving asylum seekers vouchers instead of cash. “We have created the legal opportunity to do this.” The federal states could try it out, but have not yet done so.
Scholz on Merz: “Better watch your words”
In the interview, Scholz also answers opposition leader and CDU boss Friedrich Merz. He had caused a stir in the last few days because he claimed that rejected asylum seekers were getting their teeth remade in Germany, while Germans next door couldn’t get an appointment with the doctor. Scholz says: “What Mr. Merz said does not correspond to the legal situation in Germany. I think that you should be more careful with your words.”
When it comes to irregular migration, it’s about having a clear course, says Scholz. For him, this includes deporting those who are in the country illegally. “These are clear sentences and we have to make very clear, precise policies so that we can enforce our laws. But that doesn’t have to lead you to be clumsy with your words,” said Scholz in the direction of Merz.
Traffic light dispute: “The noises have to be quieter”
The Chancellor once again called for less strife in the traffic light coalition: “I’m really very upset about it, because the work record is pretty good,” said Scholz. “But because the results were obtained with so much noise, you only have the noise in your head. The noises have to become quieter.”
When asked what he wanted for Germany for Unity Day on October 3rd, Scholz said: “Confidence. For example, it is a good sign that the most modern factories are currently being built in eastern Germany.” He believes that immigrant skilled workers will also be well received in these factories in the East. “There is a large majority of citizens who know full well that things will get worse economically in Germany if we don’t bring in skilled workers to do the work that would otherwise be left behind.”
“There is never a moment when you are not recognized”
When asked what he would never get used to as Chancellor, Scholz said: “There is never a moment in which you are not recognized. Even when I am wearing clothes that no one has ever seen on me. I cannot manage to go unrecognized stay. That’s different.” But he really enjoys his job as Chancellor, he said about his personal government mid-term review. And should his beloved old leather bag give up during the strenuous life of Chancellor, he already has a sustainable solution ready: “Have it repaired.”