Merkel returns: the CDU shakes dispute over asylum policy!

Merkel returns: the CDU shakes dispute over asylum policy!

In an unexpected political turn, Angela Merkel is back as a former chancellor, but not as head of government, but as a critical voice within his own party. On Tuesday she spoke in the courtyard of Schwerin Castle and clearly stood against the current positions of the CDU under Chancellor Friedrich Merz. This has distanced itself from Merkel's earlier strategy, especially in migration policy, and is aiming for a course of limitation and returns. [Berliner Zeitung] (https://www.berliner-zeitung.de/politik/Merkel- against--plo-ploetlich-est--is-die-Opposition-in-ihrer-party-li.2338294) reports on the reactions of the audience, but not overwhelmed by Merkels return.

Merkel did not take a leaf out of her mouth: she defended the controversial refugee policy in 2015 and emphasized that she would make the decision again. In a clear appeal, she warned that the sentence "We can do it" should not be claimed by the AfD. In the Union, she is increasingly perceived as a troublemaker who positions herself against the conversion of the CDU for which Merz stands.

criticism of migration policy

The fact that the CDU state association Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania has distanced itself from Merkel's criticism of current refugee policy. State chief Daniel Peters said that Merkel's statements undermined the CDU's efforts to change a policy in the migration question. Under Merz, a realignment is sought that deviates noticeably from Merkel's humanitarian approach. ZEIT ONLINE explains that Merkel also criticized the newly introduced border controls and emphasized the importance of European cooperation.

In addition, she told former refugees that everyone who says "asylum" at the German border must have the right to a procedure. This attitude contradicts the current practice of the Ministry of the Interior, which rejects asylum seekers at the border. Tagesschau reports of a directional judgment of the Administrative Court Berlin, which in a specific case declared the rejection of asylum seekers.

a split inheritance

The return of Merken to the political debate is a strategic decision that must be considered in the context of the rise of the AfD. It is not only perceived as an inner opposition, but also as someone who reminds the Union of its previous values ​​and decisions. At the same time, Merkel is confronted with a split legacy in her homeland in eastern Germany. Their popularity has suffered noticeably in recent years.