Union and SPD Prepare for Deportations to Afghanistan and Syria

In a significant shift in migration policy, the Union and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) have announced their plans to resume deportation flights to Afghanistan and Syria. This announcement comes following an agreement on a coalition contract between the two parties.

Thorsten Frei, the parliamentary manager of the Union, emphasized that the coalition agreement marks a pivotal moment for migration policy in Germany. He stated that deportations would be organized swiftly, with an expectation of significantly increased returns before the summer. Frei also mentioned the potential for imposing sanctions on third countries that fail to accept their citizens who are required to leave Germany. He indicated that these sanctions could include reductions in development aid and limitations on visa issuance.

SPD leader Lars Klingbeil echoed these sentiments, confirming that the party would also pursue deportations. He referenced previous deportation flights to Afghanistan during the SPD-led government, indicating a commitment to continue such actions, including carefully monitoring the situation in Syria to determine the appropriateness of resuming flights there.

The discussions surrounding the coalition agreement have highlighted various aspects of government policy, including migration, defense, and economic strategy. There has been a focus on ensuring that the cabinet reflects the demographic distribution of the population, particularly concerning the inclusion of eastern German politicians.

Reiner Haseloff, the Minister-President of Saxony-Anhalt, stressed the importance of representation for eastern German politicians in the new government. He argued that the cabinet should mirror the population's demographic and called for significant roles for eastern representatives in strategic ministries.

In the wake of the coalition agreement, preliminary surveys indicated minimal changes in party popularity, with the CDU/CSU and SPD both experiencing slight declines, while the Alternative for Germany (AfD) gained support. The CDU/CSU dropped to 26 percent, and the SPD to 15 percent, with the AfD rising to 24 percent.

Boris Pistorius, the acting Defense Minister, revealed plans for a new model of military service, emphasizing the need for swift implementation. The government aims to reintroduce voluntary military service quickly, with a potential return to mandatory service if needed. Pistorius expressed confidence that the new system would attract sufficient volunteers while acknowledging the challenges posed by the existing military infrastructure.

Overall, the Union and SPD are poised to implement a series of reforms and policies, with a particular focus on addressing migration issues, enhancing national defense, and ensuring economic stability. As the parties move forward, the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen, with public expectations aligned with their commitments outlined in the coalition agreement.