German Chancellor and Opposition Leader Discuss Urgent Immigration Policy Reforms Following Solingen Attack

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz met with opposition leader Friedrich Merz in Berlin to discuss significant changes to Germany's immigration policy, following a deadly knife attack in Solingen that left three dead and eight injured. The attack, allegedly carried out by a Syrian asylum seeker with ties to Islamic State, has intensified political debate around asylum and deportation policies, especially as key state elections approach in September.

Dubbed the "Solingen Summit" by the media, the meeting highlighted the growing tension between the governing Social Democrats and the opposition Christian Democrats (CDU), led by Merz. As the main challenger to Scholz in the 2025 general election, Merz has called for a decisive shift in Germany's migration policy, criticizing it as "naive." He presented a list of demands, including a halt to asylum seekers from Syria and Afghanistan, arguing that stricter laws are necessary to address the public's growing concerns.

The attack in Solingen, which occurred during the city's 650th-anniversary celebrations, has been exploited by the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party, which is gaining traction with its anti-immigration stance. Demonstrations have erupted across Germany, with both anti-racist campaigners and far-right protesters taking to the streets. Police are investigating incidents of racist slogans and a Hitler salute at a far-right rally in Solingen.

In response to the attack, Scholz visited Solingen and promised to enforce existing deportation laws more rigorously and to introduce stricter weapons regulations. He emphasized that his government is committed to ensuring such tragedies do not recur and is exploring ways to expedite the deportation of failed asylum seekers.

Friedrich Merz and other CDU leaders have urged the government to recognize the need for a "paradigm shift" in migration policy. Meanwhile, Justice Minister Marco Buschmann and other members of the governing coalition have resisted calls for a blanket ban on asylum seekers from specific countries, arguing that such measures would violate German and EU law.

As political pressure mounts, the German government faces a challenging path forward in balancing public safety concerns with legal and humanitarian obligations. The upcoming state elections could serve as a critical test for both the governing coalition and the opposition as they navigate these complex issues.