zeit.de
CDU shifts from Merkel's refugee policy: Germany sees drop in asylum seekers
Ten years after Angela Merkel's statement "Wir schaffen das" ("We can do it"), leading CDU politicians have distanced themselves from her refugee policy, citing a significant decrease in asylum seekers and increased border controls.
- What is the main change in Germany's refugee policy and its immediate impact?
- The CDU, now in power, has shifted from Merkel's welcoming approach to a stricter policy focused on reducing illegal immigration. This has resulted in the lowest number of asylum seekers in a decade, with over 10,000 illegal migrants rejected at the border. Further, the government has initiated increased deportations to Afghanistan and Syria.
- What are the potential long-term consequences and criticisms of this new approach?
- The long-term effects remain uncertain; the policy faces criticism from neighboring European countries. Continued reliance on border controls may strain relations with other EU members, and the stricter approach could impede integration efforts and create further humanitarian challenges. The success of the planned reform of the European asylum system (GEAS) will be crucial.
- How has the change in policy affected the number of asylum seekers, and what are the broader implications?
- Germany has seen a 50 percent decrease in illegal migration, while Europe-wide the decrease is 20 percent. This stricter approach is linked to increased border controls and restrictions on family reunification for those with subsidiary protection. The policy shift reflects a change in the CDU's political strategy and aims to address public concerns.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the CDU's shift in migration policy as a necessary correction to Merkel's approach, highlighting the reduction in asylum seekers as a 'great success' and emphasizing stricter border controls and deportations. The positive framing of these measures contrasts with potential negative consequences or criticisms, which are mentioned briefly but downplayed. The headline, if there was one, would likely reinforce this framing. The use of quotes from Merz and Linnemann directly supports this positive framing of the CDU's current approach.
Language Bias
The article uses language that favors the CDU's perspective. Terms like "illegale Migration" and "geordnete Einwanderungspolitik" carry negative and positive connotations respectively. The description of the decrease in asylum seekers as a 'great success' is a value judgment. Neutral alternatives could include 'decrease in asylum applications,' 'managed immigration,' and 'reduction in asylum seeker arrivals'. The repeated use of the term 'illegale Migration' further emphasizes this negative framing.
Bias by Omission
The article omits perspectives critical of the CDU's stricter approach to migration. While it mentions criticism from European neighbors regarding border controls, it doesn't delve into the details or provide counterarguments. The potential negative consequences of increased deportations, such as human rights violations or family separation, are not addressed. The article also omits discussion of the challenges faced by refugees and the long-term impacts of this policy shift. Given space constraints, this is partly understandable but impacts the neutrality and completeness.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy between Merkel's 'Wir schaffen das' approach and the CDU's current policy, implying a stark contrast between welcoming refugees and strict border controls. The narrative overlooks the complexities of migration management, ignoring the possibility of more nuanced approaches that balance compassion with effective controls. The framing of a simple choice between two opposing approaches neglects a broader spectrum of potential policy options.
Gender Bias
The article does not exhibit significant gender bias. While it mentions asylum seekers as 'Asylbewerberinnen und -bewerber', the language used is gender-neutral and avoids stereotypical portrayals. However, a more detailed analysis on how gender impacts the overall refugee situation would be beneficial for a fuller picture.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article discusses German government policies aimed at controlling and regulating migration. These policies, while controversial, directly relate to SDG 16, which focuses on peaceful, just, and inclusive societies. The government's actions aim to establish stronger institutions and processes for managing migration, impacting the rule of law and security. However, the policies also raise concerns about human rights and the potential for increased social divisions, which need to be considered for a full assessment.