In a speech at the Kirchentag in Nuremberg, Olaf Scholz defended the tightening of the right to asylum. He also spoke out in favour of more solidarity in Europe.
Nuremberg – Olaf Scholz spoke on Saturday (10 June) at the Protestant Kirchentag in Nuremberg. Meanwhile, he also spoke about the tightening of the right to asylum and solidarity between EU states. Scholz promised faster asylum procedures and more digitization in the processes. According to the Chancellor, they must "manage" to send back someone who cannot stay in Europe.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz defends the stricter asylum law. © Michael Kappeler/dpa
Faster asylum procedure and deportation: Scholz defends EU reform
Scholz emphasizes that it must stop countries pointing the finger at others and not feeling responsible. "That is why the agreement is that we will establish a solidarity mechanism," said the Federal Chancellor. A system of solidarity for the distribution of refugees in Europe must finally be established. During his speech, there were repeated interjections. The day before, people demonstrated on the fringes of the Kirchentag against the EU plans and spoke of a "Fortress Europe".
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On Thursday (8 June), EU interior ministers voted by a majority in favour of the reform plans for the asylum system, including a much tougher approach to migrants with no prospect of staying. People from "safe countries" are to be placed in strictly controlled reception centres after crossing the border. Within twelve weeks, the applicants would find out whether they have a chance of asylum. If this is not the case, they should be returned immediately.
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