Philipp Türmer, the head of the Youth Organization of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), criticized Chancellor Scholz for intimidating opponents of the migration security package, which is set to be voted on in the Bundestag this week. Türmer accused Scholz of pressuring those who oppose the tightening of asylum policies. He stated, “I hope that no one is intimidated into voting for the package, and I can only urge everyone: don’t let yourself be discouraged.”
The chancellor’s statement ignited controversy within the party after he cautioned critics of the package that he would “take advantage of his options.” Some members of the SPD interpreted this to mean a “vote of confidence,” but those close to Scholz dismissed this interpretation. Matthias Mersch, the newly appointed secretary general, clarified that Scholz “did not threaten a vote of confidence.” He also observed that the debate over the package was particularly vigorous due to its significance.
Türmer expects that many will not vote in favor of the security package, noting that there is resistance to the package within the group opposing the tightening of immigration policies. According to Türmer, “the package is heading in entirely the wrong direction,” representing a significant shift towards the far right.
Türmer contends that “the fight against Islamism is turning into a fight against refugees,” asserting that the “Traffic Light Coalition” is focusing on refugees instead of Islamists, which he believes is the fundamental issue. He argues that the blanket criminalization of refugees is counterproductive and expresses his opposition to Scholz’s extensive deportation policy. He remarked, “Since Olaf Scholz wants to deport people on a large scale, immigration authorities are trying, in one way or another, to increase their numbers,” leading to the deportation of well-integrated individuals. Türmer described the deportation policy as misleading.
The Traffic Light Coalition parties in the Bundestag approved the security package in response to the Solingen attack. The package includes several measures, such as tightening gun laws, granting police extensive surveillance powers, and halting illegal immigration. Criticism of the security package is not limited to members of the Social Democratic Party; deputies from both the Green Party and the Union Party oppose it as well, prompting Scholz to call for discipline within his party.
The Traffic Light Coalition introduced amendments to the security package following a hearing in the Bundestag, where experts criticized the proposed measures on various grounds, particularly their potential violation of European law. The Bundestag Interior Committee is currently reviewing these amendments, and while the Bundestag is expected to adopt the package, the votes from the opposition must be considered.
The Social Democratic Party (SPD) conducted a test vote on the package, led by Rolf Mützenich. Out of 207 deputies, 25 voted against it, a percentage that does not pose a threat to the majority. Meanwhile, the opposition Democratic Union Party (DUP) announced its intention to vote against the project. The Green Party also expressed reservations, but these do not constitute a rejection of the package.
Party leadership candidate Franziska Brantner has been promoting the proposed package within her party. She asserts that the package is “constitutional” and includes robust measures that enhance security. In response to the Union’s call for a border rejection policy, Brantner emphasized, “It is important that we abide by European law and the constitution.”
