German opposition seeks to declare state of emergency over illegal migration

Germany's opposition leaders plan to submit a resolution to the Bundestag proposing the declaration of a state of emergency in Germany due to the influx of illegal migrants.

The German Bild magazine has published excerpts from the leaked draft resolution, which states that the country is facing "new levels of violence," Caliber.Az reports.

A recent knife attack on a group of kindergarten children committed by an Afghan migrant suffering from mental illness that killed two people, including one toddler, has re-ignited the already widely debated issue of migration to Germany. 

"In this situation, if European measures are not working, it is the responsibility of Germany and its government to prioritize the application of national legislation, as stipulated in European agreements on emergency situations," the document drafted by the Christian Democratic Union and Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) bloc states.

The resolution proposes the implementation of long-term border controls in Germany and the denial of entry to foreigners who lack permission to reside in the country. Those required to leave Germany are to be immediately taken into custody until deportation.

Friedrich Merz, the Leader of the CDU/CSU Union which is the party of former long-standing Chancellor Angela Merkel is also the fraction's chancellor candidate in the upcoming elections. He has commented on the draft proposal, accusing the German Bundestag of refusing to acknowledge that migrant violence was "the new normal in Germany."

He was, however, careful to distance the proposal from the narrative supported by the rising right-wing AfD party. "Those who combat migration also take away populists' political foundation. The AfD exploits the problems, concerns, and fears caused by mass migration to fuel xenophobia and spread conspiracy theories. [...] That is why this party is not a partner but our political opponent."

Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who will be competing against Merz in the upcoming elections for his position, has criticised the proposal, questioning "his ability to hold a high office in Germany" if he supports such a move.

By Nazrin Sadigova