Friedrich Merz, the CDU's candidate for chancellor, has ignited fierce debate with his recent proposal to strip dual nationals of their German citizenship if convicted of crimes. Following remarks made during an interview with Welt am Sonntag, Merz's suggestion to reassess the status of these citizens has drawn intense scrutiny and backlash from political opponents.
According to SPD leader Saskia Esken, Merz is "playing with right-wing populist fire" and is unfit for the role of chancellor. She criticized Merz for his assertion—stemming from the tragic Christmas market attack in Magdeburg, where six lives were lost—that foreign criminals should face stricter consequences, including the potential loss of citizenship. Esken pointed out, "This populist and divisive action creates distrust against everything foreign, leading to significant insecurity within the migrant community. For Merz, they are 'Germans on probation.'"
The CDU's call to potentially categorize certain dual nationals as "second-class" citizens has not only sparked outrage from the left but has also raised legal questions about the constitutionality of such measures. Critics, including the president of the German Institute for Economic Research, Marcel Fratzscher, condemned the proposal as crossing dangerous lines and warned it could delineate citizenship based on ethnicity or origin.
Merz's comments come against the backdrop of the recent law reforms surrounding citizenship, enacted by the current ruling coalition between the SPD, the Greens, and the FDP. This reform allows individuals to hold dual nationality without renouncing their original citizenship under certain conditions. Merz argues, "We are inviting additional problems to our country" with this approach.
Political commentators fear Merz's stance could exacerbate divisions within society, framing foreign-born citizens as inherently suspect. The CDU leader was quoted stating, "We should at least have the possibility to revoke German citizenship at the same level, if we realize we've made mistakes with persons who have committed crimes." His rhetoric has led to accusations of creating meaningful disparities between naturalized citizens and those born German.
The proposal was also sharply criticized by the leadership of the Greens and the FDP, who contended such measures contradict fundamental German principles of equality. Konstantin Kuhle of the FDP remarked, "Revoking citizenship retrospectively involves significant constitutional and practical issues, it would be wiser to adopt stricter measures during the naturalization process instead."
Legal experts have stressed the constitutional boundaries restricting the revocation of citizenship, particularly under Article 16 of the German Grundgesetz, which asserts, "German citizenship cannot be taken away." The only exceptions permitted involve preventing statelessness and happen only under strict legislative guidelines. Therefore, the proposal raises serious concerns over its feasibility from both legal and ethical standpoints.
Merz’s comments and the responses they generated point to broader discussions about migration, security, and identity in German society—issues intensely debated as the country approaches its 2025 federal elections. The CDU/CSU alliance is strategically framing its immigration policy as central, citing failures of the current government to effectively address these issues.
Despite the sensitivity surrounding the subject, Merz’s ambitions appear to be compelling him to push boundaries, likely attempting to outflank the rising influence of the far-right AfD party. Nonetheless, prominent voices on the left, such as Jan van Aken of the Left Party, have outright condemned the rhetoric, branding it as 'disgusting racism.' Van Aken asserted, "If your name is Thomas or Andrea, you are German forever. But if you’re Elef or Sergej, you’re only German on approval."
This dynamic complicates the political scene as parties navigate their positions on citizenship, integration, and national identity. Post-election, the CDU’s proposals against dual nationals will hinge on parliamentary support, with immediate resistance indicated from their governing opposition.
With almost three million dual nationals currently residing within Germany—many proudly retaining citizenship from fellow EU member states—the ramifications of Merz's proposal could resonate deeply. Observers speculate the potential for increased social anxiety and conflict over issues intrinsic to citizenship and national belonging.
The fear expressed by critics is not unfounded, as proposals fostering discrimination against any citizen, particularly those who navigate multiple identities, threaten to undermine the country’s longstanding democratic principles. Discussions are already pointing to the possibility of constitutional challenges were such policies to advance, deepening public concern over security-driven narratives.”
The increasing demands for harsher immigration policies highlight tensions within German politics and society, reminiscent of historical precedents and larger societal debates on inclusion and identity.