Joachim Gauck calls for a rethinking of migration policy. The former Federal President does not give politics a good report.
Has politics reached its limits when it comes to immigration? Former Federal President Joachim Gauck was supposed to answer this question in a ZDF interview on Sunday. Gauck said in “Berlin Direkt”: “You [die Politik] “We may have to try new options and discover that the measures taken so far have not been enough to remedy the loss of control that has obviously occurred.”
The 83-year-old theologian and former GDR opposition member made it clear that the population’s concerns needed to be taken more seriously by politicians. At the same time, he did not give political actors, not only in Germany, a good report on the question of asylum and immigration policy.
“We need a determination that gives the people in Europe the impression that the governments are capable of acting,” said Gauck, “and this obviously requires the debate on new paths and not just the adjustment of the screws, as the EU is currently trying to do , where what already exists and doesn’t work is tried again.”
The example of Denmark as a role model?
Gauck not only harshly criticized politics in Europe, he also indirectly addressed the rise of right-wing populist parties, whose entry into parliaments in many Western countries, but especially in Germany, is based in part on migration policies that are perceived as inadequate. This must be countered by more consistent and courageous action, said Gauck. However, this fails due to the unwillingness of the democratic parties to take uncomfortable measures on the issue of immigration.
“Often it is fear of a brutal-sounding policy of isolation or confinement,” said the former Federal President. The accusation of “Fortress Europe” quickly arises. An accusation that is particularly made from the left-wing political spectrum. In the interview, Gauck repeatedly makes himself an advocate for the population who feel abandoned by politics. He sent a clear warning to the democratic parties: “If the population has the impression that those in power do not understand that we have a need for clarity and security, then there will be a further shift to the right.”
Although all democratic forces have the best intentions, immigration must be limited soon. In this regard, Gauck cited the example of Denmark as a role model. There, the Social Democratic government managed to curb immigration with tough policies that many still viewed with skepticism and at the same time keep right-wing populist parties below three percent in elections.
However, other social democratic parties in Europe shy away from such a departure from a liberal immigration policy. In addition, numerous experts criticize that the Danish government’s restrictive immigration policy partially violates international law and international agreements. Nevertheless, Gauck demanded on ZDF that politicians must “discover scope that we initially find unsympathetic because they sound inhumane.” He called on progressive and right-wing milieus to move away from their “wishful ideas” and explore common scope for creativity.
“No immigration into our social systems without…”
ZDF presenter Theo Koll then asked whether one had to “think the previously unthinkable”. “Yes, I see it that way,” replied Gauck, also with a view to those responsible in the cities and municipalities. “We have reached the limits of our capabilities.”
He repeatedly drew parallels to the situation in 2015. At that time, the migration pressure had become so great that the federal government under the then CDU Chancellor Angela Merkel opened the borders to allow large numbers of refugees from Syria and Afghanistan to enter Germany. Similar voices have been heard again and again from local politicians in recent months. Given the precarious situation, politicians urgently need to talk to citizens, said Gauck, and show people that they are working on solutions and are willing to take unusual paths.
“We have to bring two things together: We need immigration, but we don’t need immigration into our social systems without the skilled workers we need.” Otherwise there is a risk that the “wonderful solidarity” of the population will disappear.
