The latest episode of the talk show "Caren Miosga" aired on January 26, 2025, focusing on the pressing issue of security in Germany. Titled "How Will Germany Become Safe Again, Mr. Wüst?" the show featured significant discussions surrounding the current security climate and migration policies as Germany approaches its Bundestag elections.
This week's episode welcomed guests including Hendrik Wüst, the Ministerpräsident of North Rhine-Westphalia and member of the CDU (Christian Democratic Union); Ronen Steinke, lawyer and editor from Süddeutsche Zeitung; Vanessa Vu, journalist for ZEIT ONLINE; and Thomas Jung, the Mayor of Fürth and a member of the SPD (Social Democratic Party).
The core of this episode revolved around the CDU's election campaign strategies focusing on internal security and irregular migration. Following recent violent incidents, including one particularly shocking crime in Ashaffenburg, the discussion highlighted fears around perceived state failures related to deportation practices and law enforcement.
Wüst, representing the CDU's views, articulated the party's stance on security and immigration with remarks about the urgency of enforcing stricter measures. He stated, "The most comprehensive security and migration package in our country’s history has been implemented," signifying the party's commitment to protecting citizens by ending irregular migration and expediting deportation procedures.
Meanwhile, Steinke raised eyebrows around the legalities of such harsh policies. "It will not happen as Friedrich Merz suggested," he highlighted, casting doubt on the feasibility of stricter controls at the borders and the withdrawal of citizenship from dual nationals who commit crimes. His insights stirred debates about the potential risks of adopting populist rhetoric within the CDU, as he warned of radicalization within the party's ranks due to its stringent language.
Vanessa Vu provided another angle to the conversation; her experience as the daughter of Vietnamese immigrants informed her views on the intersections of crime and migration. She vehemently criticized the CDU's conflation of migration with criminal activity, arguing it sows division and fear among society. “Migration is an opportunity for Germany,” she remarked, emphasizing the need for investment not just in deportation but also in integration and prevention mechanisms.
On the other hand, Thomas Jung sided with Wüst on the matter, advocating for stricter immigration policies akin to those practiced in Denmark. He called for limitations to restore social peace and build public confidence, asserting, "One should have acted much sooner."
The contrasting perspectives highlighted the multifaceted nature of this debate, as the guests navigated around the challenges of forming effective yet humane security policies.
Through segments of informative reports and background contributions, "Caren Miosga" continues to engage viewers with pressing societal issues, showcasing the importance of such discussions as elections loom closer. The complex interplay between security, migration, and civic responsibility remains pertinent as Germany grapples with its future directions. This episode's discourse exemplifies the urgency and the varied approaches necessary to address these challenges head-on.