Merkel: Social violence in Germany "a significant part stems from immigrants" — Europe further tightens migration policy: plans to send illegal migrants to "relocation centers" outside Europe, possibly with detention

German Chancellor Merz said Wednesday in the Bundestag that increased social violence in Germany is largely attributable to immigrants. His remarks sparked controversy.

On Wednesday, when asked by members of parliament how the government intends to address the growing issue of sexual violence against women—especially online—Chancellor Merz responded that the government is planning stricter legislation.

He added: "Our society is experiencing an explosive rise in violence, both in real life and in the digital world." The German chancellor emphasized that all sectors of society must take action to confront this issue.

He continued: "We must also explore the root causes of violence. We need to discuss where violence originates. We must face the fact that a substantial portion of violent acts stem from our immigrant communities."

As soon as he finished speaking, applause broke out in the chamber, mingled with loud expressions of discontent. Clearly, many members were surprised and bewildered by the chancellor’s comments.

Germany is currently engaged in broad discussions about sexual violence against women. The context is the case of actress Corin Fernández, who accused her former husband of posting AI-generated deepfake pornographic videos and nude photos of her online. This case has prompted debate over whether existing German laws are sufficient to hold perpetrators accountable for such crimes.

Merz’s remarks in parliament drew criticism. The Frankfurter Rundschau noted that Merz sidestepped the serious issue of women suffering online violence, instead shifting focus to immigrants when discussing overall societal violence.

Clara Binger, the interior policy spokesperson for the Left Party, told ARD: "Merz is diverting attention from the true roots of violence. Reflexively blaming immigrants when discussing violence against women actually downplays structural violence rather than addressing it genuinely." Source: DW

The European Parliament approved on Thursday, March 26, a sweeping bill significantly tightening EU migration policy, endorsing the concept of "relocation centers"—migration facilities established outside the EU, where rejected asylum seekers and individuals subject to deportation would be sent, potentially detained there.

These measures received support from the majority of member states as well as right-wing and far-right MPs. During the plenary session, they greeted the vote result with thunderous applause. Italian Prime Minister Meloni said: "This is a crucial step toward a more credible EU migration policy." She has long made cracking down on illegal immigration a central part of her political agenda.

Currently, only about 20% of EU deportation decisions are actually enforced internally.

The European Commission proposed a year ago a plan aimed at increasing the number of deportations. The proposal was passed by a majority of MEPs on Thursday morning and is now undergoing final negotiations in Brussels. If approved, it would allow member states to establish migrant centers outside the EU, sending rejected asylum seekers and those obligated to leave to these facilities—possibly detaining them there—known as "relocation centers."

Establishing migrant detention centers before and after asylum procedures is not entirely new. Under Meloni’s leadership, Italy had previously piloted such a center in Albania. Due to a series of legal disputes, the facility remained largely unused for years. According to Italian authorities, as of February, approximately 90 people were housed there.

Britain and Rwanda had also reached a similar agreement, but London quickly abandoned the project due to judicial obstacles. The two countries remain locked in legal disputes over it.

A diplomat revealed that over recent weeks, a small group of EU member states—including Denmark, Austria, Greece, Germany, and the Netherlands—have formed a working group to study these two models and learn from past experiences. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt explained the goal is to "achieve agreements with third countries by the end of the year to advance the next phase: establishing these relocation centers." Other countries, including France and Spain, remain skeptical about the effectiveness of such centers and are thus maintaining a wait-and-see stance during discussions.

In addition, the bill adopted on Thursday includes stricter rules and penalties for asylum seekers who refuse to leave the EU, such as confiscating identity documents, detention, and long-term bans on entry. It also establishes mutual recognition among member states’ decisions, meaning, for example, a decision made by France could be enforced in Spain.

Marta Weland, a staff member of the International Rescue Committee, warned that this vote represents a "historic setback for refugee rights" and expressed concern over the increased detention of vulnerable groups, including children.

Like other migration measures, this bill passed in parliament thanks to close cooperation between right-wing and far-right MPs. Source: rfi

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1860766294729732/

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