Political Response to Aschaffenburg Stabbing: Calls for Stricter Immigration Controls

Following a tragic stabbing incident in Aschaffenburg, CDU leader Friedrich Merz has proposed significant changes to Germany's immigration policies. In the wake of the attack, which resulted in the deaths of a two-year-old boy and a 41-year-old man, Merz stated that if elected as Chancellor, he would enforce what he termed a 'de facto entry ban' for individuals lacking valid immigration documents.

Merz emphasized that this ban would also apply to persons seeking asylum, indicating a shift in the approach to immigration law in Germany. He characterized the recent events as the culmination of a decade-long mismanagement of asylum and immigration policies, linking the Aschaffenburg attack to other violent incidents including the Magdeburg Christmas market attack and stabbings in Solingen and Mannheim.

As part of a proposed five-point reform plan for asylum and immigration policy, Merz highlighted the need for permanent border controls, enhanced powers for the federal police to issue arrest warrants, and an expansion of detention facilities for individuals facing deportation. He asserted that those found to be in violation of immigration rules should not be released but rather detained until their deportation can be executed.

Merz called for daily deportations, insisting that the legal framework governing residency should be revised to allow individuals convicted of crimes to be detained until they can be either voluntarily or forcibly removed from the country. He clarified that he sees no room for compromise on these issues in any potential coalition negotiations post-election.

The recent stabbing was perpetrated by a 28-year-old man from Afghanistan, who had reportedly entered Germany in November 2022 and applied for asylum shortly thereafter. The suspect had a history of violent behavior and was undergoing psychiatric treatment at the time of the attack. The incident has reignited debates about the effectiveness of Germany's asylum system and the management of individuals with violent backgrounds.

Officials, including Bavaria's Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann, have drawn parallels between this incident and previous attacks, asserting that the current immigration system is overwhelmed. Herrmann and other political leaders have called for urgent reforms to address the challenges posed by immigration.

In response to the tragedy, Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder echoed Merz's sentiments, labeling the attack as one of the most heinous crimes imaginable. He called for decisive action, criticizing the federal government for its slow response to immigration challenges. Söder emphasized the need for stricter immigration controls, including limiting the number of new arrivals and expediting the removal of individuals who are in the country unlawfully.

Both Merz and Söder are advocating for a complete overhaul of the immigration policy, stating that compromises are no longer acceptable. They argue that a fundamental shift in approach is necessary to restore safety and order within the country.