Criticism of German support for private refugee rescuers on the Mediterranean is increasing in the Union. After Wolfgang Schäuble, the deputy leader of the Union parliamentary group in the Bundestag, Johann Wadephul (CDU), also showed understanding for the Italian government’s annoyance. Their criticism of the federal government’s payments for private sea rescuers is justified, said the Union politician responsible for foreign policy the World. “In fact, although unintentionally of course, the rescue organizations enable the inhumane smuggling gangs to do their business. No German tax money should be used for this.” The federal government should devote its political energy to reaching agreements with the North African states.
Former Bundestag President Wolfgang Schäuble also criticized Germany for supporting non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that “not only save refugees, but also bring them to Europe.” as he told the time. “This is the basis for human smuggling crime.”
The Foreign Office recently announced that several NGOs in Italy would receive direct grants from Germany of between 400,000 and 800,000 euros each – such as the organization SOS Humanity, which runs a rescue ship in the Mediterranean, or the Vatican-affiliated Catholic lay organization Sant ‘Egidio, which supports the socially disadvantaged and refugees. Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni formally complained in a letter to Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani made it clear last week that the grants were viewed as interference in domestic affairs and an unfriendly act by an ally.
Many politicians are calling for a state-operated sea rescue service
A debate has also broken out about this in Germany. SPD parliamentary group vice-president Dirk Wiese said World, the statements from the Union are more than shocking. “When it comes to saving people from drowning, there can be no weighing up.” Green politician Julian Pahlke criticized the fact that the subsidies were not decided by the federal government, but by the Bundestag – in its budget committee even with votes from the Union. “The fact that the Union supports the funding shows that Christian values continue to play an important role for some MPs.”
At the same time, Stephan Thomae, parliamentary secretary of the co-ruling FDP, spoke out in favor of the “state takeover of sea rescue in the Mediterranean”. As a rule, those rescued would then have to be brought back to North African countries with migration agreements. “We must better protect the EU’s external borders and counteract irregular migration.”
The Left Party’s refugee policy spokeswoman, Clara Bünger, also advocates for state-coordinated and European-supported sea rescue in the Mediterranean. For this purpose, the border protection agency Frontex should be converted into a European sea rescue agency. If there is a fear that “Tunisia will abandon people in the desert, that is a serious obstacle to bringing people back there.”
Schäuble doesn’t believe in the fact that there are well-known voices in his party, the CDU, for abolishing the individual right to asylum: “Above all, we have to make the European rules that exist effective.” Realistic reforms are needed. “Citizens no longer want to hear proposals that everyone knows will not be implemented. But sending people back – that’s possible. Even if it’s not nice or easy.”