BERLIN - Germany's new government, in power for just over two months, is implementing a "radically changed" migration policy and a significant increase in defense spending. This was confirmed by Steffen Bilger, a prominent member of the ruling Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in Germany’s federal parliament, the Bundestag.
In an interview with Rudaw, Bilger detailed the administration's priorities, particularly regarding illegal migration, stating, "We are focusing on securing the borders and rejecting those trying to enter illegally.” He underscored the drive for a "better joint migration policy" at the European level, noting that "the way it was handled in past years can’t continue."
A central element of this new approach is the two-year suspension of family reunification for individuals holding temporary residence permits, a measure intended to reduce the overall number of asylum applications. Bilger justified the approach stating, "Germany’s capacity is limited.” However, he mentioned provisions for individual exceptions based on "particular circumstances."
On foreign policy, Bilger affirmed Germany's return to a "strong international stance, especially in Europe,” stating, "Our foreign policy follows one clear, transparent approach to ensure Germany plays a strong role in Europe and the world." He also confirmed continued German support for the Kurdish Peshmerga and the Iraqi army, recognizing them as "an important partner" in the fight against terrorism.
Addressing Germany's substantial borrowing of 500 billion euros, of which over 150 billion is earmarked for defense, Bilger justified the allocation by stating, "We need to invest more in our defensive capabilities." He further explained that in this "new period of the Cold War," Germany must increase its contribution to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
The following is the transcript of the interview with Steffen Bilger.
Rudaw: Today’s parliamentary session was heated, covering both the budget and migration issues. On migration, the opposition is heavily criticized. The AfD says that you haven’t done anything to reduce migration.
Bilger: After the federal election and the formation of the new government, we have radically changed our migration policy. This poses a problem for the AfD. We have a major issue due to illegal migration into Germany. We need a different migration policy - and we’re implementing it. That worries the AfD because this issue gets a lot of attention. So it’s no surprise the AfD is attacking us - we are, after all, pursuing a transparent, humane, and structured migration policy as we always said we would.
You have been in office for 65 days. What have you implemented so far in migration policy?
We are focusing on securing the borders and rejecting those trying to enter illegally. At the European level we're working toward a better joint migration policy. Our goal is a coordinated migration policy that Germany participated in until now. Every European country has changed migration policy because the way it was handled in past years can’t continue. It’s also unacceptable to detain those with resources and bring them here as smugglers. We want to focus on those in genuine need of protection. Yes, we want to work with Europe and find solutions. Operating only in Europe is essential - but it’s also vital to draw a clear line against those who really need aid and those who are violent, against our security and our state.
What about deportations?
Deportations are one of the measures - to Afghanistan and Syria. We will not allow those who have severely harmed others or acted against our state to stay here or be returned here from abroad. Yes, deportations are one of the tools.
You have suspended family reunification for two years for those with only temporary residence. You say you oppose illegal migration - but family reunification was done legally. Why pause this process for two years?
Germany’s capacity is limited. If we can reduce asylum applications and the influx of asylum-seekers by half, even a large German city would struggle. We can’t handle it. The issue is integration, language courses, employment market entry. We must reduce numbers - there are several measures, one of which is halting family reunification for two years for those with temporary permits. Ninety percent, for example, are Syrians. Things aren’t perfect in Syria, but the war is over and many returned. Therefore, it’s not unreasonable that when many don’t go back, their family members remain here. If one family member is in Germany, it’s not necessary that the whole family must come. Then family reunification can occur in their safe country. So it’s one of our crucial measures.
The Greens say this will impact integration. Are you considering special circumstances?
We have agreed that where there are particular circumstances, a different decision can be made in individual cases. One must think humanely - families should stay together - but not every family must be reunited in Germany. This is also part of cracking down on smuggling networks where one person enters first, then sends for the family later. We must break this smuggling model until we establish a proper system.
Regarding Germany’s foreign policy, analysts say Germany must return to a stronger international stance and role. After the elections, these analysts visited Poland and France the same day. How does your foreign policy differ from the previous government’s?
Germany is undoubtedly returning to a strong international stance, especially in Europe. Many expected that. Friedrich Merz is doing great work - not just in foreign policy but in what he does for Germany. For example, if Germany is a stronger counterpart to the U.S. on defense spending, that helps us in the EU. Good relations with Poland and France on key issues was already a goal of analysts and the previous government. We used to have strategists not working enough on foreign policy. Now Friedrich Merz and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul are excellent and closely coordinated. So our foreign policy follows one clear, transparent approach to ensure Germany plays a strong role in Europe and the world.
As you know, Germany’s army trains and supports the Kurdish Peshmerga and Iraq’s army. How important is it for the new German government to continue this support?
It’s important to us - they are an important partner. We know the fight will be very tough, especially against Islamist terrorist forces. Therefore, we must continue supporting them. It is our satisfaction that we have good cooperation. The new federal government must continue supporting.
Now on the budget question: 500 billion euros in borrowing. How will you explain to citizens and youth: How will we pay back this debt? Why do we need it?
When I return to the treasury, I often have to clarify: We need to invest more in our defensive capabilities. In the recent past, we have been undercutting our defense. Now someone might strike Germany. Therefore we need to do more in Germany and Europe and provide the money. To ensure our wellbeing, we need to work harder, so we need big borrowing. It’s important that the spending goes toward solving current problems sustainably - not perpetual borrowing. Yes, we are living beyond our means at the federal, state, and municipal levels. And we must decide where we can refrain from spending. If we work sustainably, I believe we can do it in a way that benefits future generations and fulfills our responsibility toward our status.
You’re investing more than 150 billion euros in defense. Why do you want Germany’s defense to be that strong?
We are committed in NATO to do more - 5 % of GDP. Germany must do more too. In Germany, we had a ‘peace load’ - we clearly said we may not need Germany’s military for external missions, or if crises happen domestically. We could reduce the number of German soldiers without having to do so. Through the ‘peace load’ we could spend less. But now, after the complacency phase, we’re entering a new period of the Cold War and must do more for our own defense. That large sum is also for strengthening us within NATO.
Germany wants to be stronger within NATO. The CDU/CSU and SPD government wants to revitalize Germany’s economy. But they say the debt is too large. Is massive borrowing important for the economy?
Yes, the debt is large. I personally see it as a challenge; our parliamentary group does too, but we agreed. Now it’s important to use this borrowing wisely. We need to return to the Christian Democratic and Christian Socialist fiscal policy - budget consolidation: a ‘black zero’ means no new net borrowing for several years, but we still spend according to need. Once our economy is stronger and out of the crisis - we were in on a three-year crisis - then government tax revenues increase. We must reduce spending and control big-ticket items like migration and social aids - then we can balance the budget without borrowing. That’s our goal.
My final question: Should Germany play a role in resolving the crises in the Middle East?
We see it as our responsibility. Because of our historical responsibility toward Israel, we have a special role. That makes foreign policy in that region not easy - but everyone knows Germany has a special responsibility. Through our foreign minister, we continue to participate. Many bad things are happening in the Middle East, but there are also some developments we can support.
