BERLIN, Jan 23 (Reuters) - Recent violent attacks involving foreign suspects in Germany, including one on Wednesday targeting preschool children, have spurred political parties to call for stricter migration measures.
Leading up to the Feb. 23 national election, the top four polling parties have outlined their proposals:
The conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) and their Bavarian counterpart, the CSU, advocate for a tougher migration approach diverging from Angela Merkel's 2015 open-door policy. CDU leader Friedrich Merz, a leading candidate for chancellor, announced a plan to initiate permanent border controls on day one of his term and escalate the detention of "illegal immigrants".
The CDU's election platform suggests halting family reunification for individuals with subsidiary protection, transferring asylum procedures to non-EU nations, and resuming deportations to Syria and Afghanistan.
The center-left Social Democrats (SPD) led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz see migration as a solution to the workforce decline in an aging society. Although the party opposes permanent border closures and immediate pushbacks of refugees, it indicates that temporary controls should be "the absolute exception".
In response to recent attacks, Scholz expressed frustration, stating he was "sick and tired" of such violence and calling for swift repercussions. The SPD's manifesto backs voluntary deportations of denied asylum seekers and advocates prompt and consistent removal of criminal asylum seekers.
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) proposes exiting the United Nations Migration and Refugee Pacts, revising the Geneva Refugee Convention to allow border halts for asylum seekers, establishing "detention centers" at borders and airports, expanding the list of safe countries of origin, and reducing benefits for rejected asylum seekers.
The Greens, known for their pro-migration stance, advocate for a hospitable policy towards asylum-seekers and skilled migrants, emphasizing effective integration practices and streamlined migration procedures. The party requires individuals denied stay in Germany to depart promptly and deported criminals upon serving their sentences.