parties
Merz calls for quick decisions in the migration crisis
Friedrich Merz (l), CDU federal chairman and parliamentary group leader of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, and Ron Prosor, Israel’s ambassador to Germany, at the Junge Union’s 75th Germany Day. photo
© Moritz Frankenberg/dpa
Chancellor Scholz had also offered the opposition a “Germany Pact” to advance reforms. This also includes irregular migration. So far, the CDU party leader has been disappointed.
In the migration crisis, the CDU party leader demands Friedrich Merz quick decisions from the federal government. “We still have to make decisions this year so that this uncontrolled and unregulated illegal migration to the Federal Republic of Germany stops after the winter,” said Merz on Saturday in Braunschweig at the Junge Union’s Germany Day. Union parliamentary group deputy Jens Spahn also called for a tougher course. Illegal migration must be reduced to zero, said Spahn.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) had offered the states and the “democratic opposition” a “Germany Pact” to advance reforms. By this he meant not only the restriction of irregular migration, but above all the reduction of bureaucracy. Merz emphasized that they were ready to enter into such a pact. “The only thing that has happened so far is a really good dinner last Friday, but nothing else,” criticized Merz, referring to the pact. Scholz had invited Merz to an evening conversation with Prime Ministers Boris Rhein (CDU) and Stephan Weil (SPD) on the subject of migration.
Merz: “Every chance of replacing the federal government by 2025 at the latest”
Merz swore the young members of the CDU and CSU would fight for the chancellorship. “This social democratic decade was over before it began,” said Merz, referring to the SPD’s recent state election losses. After winning the 2021 federal election, the SPD expressed hope for such a decade. Merz announced that he would put “every effort” into ensuring that the Union wins the European elections in June 2024. A strong performance by the Christian Democrats should also give EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen the chance of another term in office.
The Junge Union’s Germany Day lasts from Friday to Sunday. Bavaria’s Prime Minister Markus Söder was expected on Saturday afternoon, and von der Leyen on Sunday.
Young Union calls for reform of compulsory military service
In its resolutions, the Junge Union called for a reform of asylum law. The subjective right to asylum should be replaced by a so-called institutional guarantee. This regulation should therefore apply to both European law and German constitutional law. The JU bases its demand on the migration crisis and the associated major problems facing municipalities. A realignment in asylum law is necessary.
In further resolutions, the JU called, among other things, for the democratization of Islam. The theological training of imams must take place at state universities. The JU also spoke out in favor of a reform of compulsory military service. A six-month compulsory service is required, which should apply equally to every citizen aged 18 and over. Everyone should be able to choose between service in the Bundeswehr, in the emergency services or with the THW.