Bremen's Interior Senator Advocates for Managed Migration Policies

The Interior Senator of Bremen, Ulrich Mäurer, recently emphasized the necessity of steering migration into organized frameworks. As the newly appointed chair of the Conference of Interior Ministers, Mäurer discussed various pressing issues affecting public safety and migration policies in an extensive interview.

At 73, Mäurer has served in his role since 2008, making him one of the longest-serving members in this capacity across Germany. His tenure has included significant legal victories, such as ensuring that Bundesliga clubs contribute to police expenses during high-risk matches.

In recent discussions, Mäurer highlighted the urgent need for a coordinated effort to manage migration effectively, stressing that the current system of deportations for rejected asylum seekers is proving inadequate. He noted that while 250,000 individuals may need to leave Germany due to lack of residency status, only about 15,000 are actually deported each year, indicating a systemic inefficiency.

Mäurer pointed out that migration issues are intricately linked to public safety concerns, particularly as criminal activities show an upward trend in Bremen. The increase in street crimes has been attributed to individuals primarily from the Maghreb region. Additionally, the senator mentioned the persistent threat of Islamist extremism, which remains a significant concern for law enforcement.

He called for a collaborative approach at both the federal and EU levels to ensure effective border security, stating that the responsibility for managing migration cannot rest solely on individual states. The establishment of a robust system to process and potentially return migrants is essential, particularly in light of growing numbers of individuals arriving from conflict zones such as Afghanistan and Syria.

Aside from migration, the senator also addressed the financial implications of police operations during professional football matches. He argued for a shared funding model involving the German Football League (DFL) to alleviate the financial burden on local law enforcement agencies, particularly during high-risk games that require significant police presence.

As Bremen grapples with its own set of challenges, Mäurer remains hopeful that progress can be made through dialogue among the states and relevant stakeholders in the football community. He plans to introduce these topics at the upcoming Conference of Interior Ministers, where he hopes to garner broader support for his proposals.

As he reflects on his long career, Mäurer acknowledges the emotional toll of his position, balancing moments of satisfaction with the weight of ongoing crises. Looking ahead, he hints that the upcoming elections may mark the end of his tenure, though he remains committed to addressing pressing issues until then.