Karin Prien: Relatives disappeared – a dark fate!

Karin Prien: Relatives disappeared – a dark fate!

In the current debate about migration and geopolitical challenges, Karin Prien, Schleswig-Holstein's education minister, speaks powerfully about her own experiences. In an interview she explains that she only has one relative left in her homeland, while her other relatives have either been “killed or emigrated”. This personal connection illustrates the effects of migration and conflict on the lives of many people, as the discussion about migration policy in Germany shows. Prien gives public perception of the tragedy of such fates a human dimension that is often lost in political discussions. Information about this can be found in an article by Spiegel.

The context of Prien's statements is particularly relevant as Germany has been confronted with a variety of migration policy challenges in recent years. A report from the Körber Foundation reveals that the general population sees the war in Ukraine as the biggest foreign policy challenge. In September 2023, 45 percent of respondents said the war in Ukraine was the main problem, while migration was mentioned as a pressing issue by only 31 percent. These figures show increasing concern about the geopolitical situation, but the issue of migration remains central to many people in Germany.

Migration as a social issue

Migration has been the focus of public debate for years and has reached new dimensions due to various crises, such as the civil war in Syria. Since 2015, Germany has taken in more than a million refugees, while the number of asylum applications in 2024, excluding those from Ukraine, was around 251,000. A significant decline of around 29 percent compared to the previous year illustrates the dynamic nature of this issue. The result is an intensification of the debate about asylum and migration policy, especially after the attacks in Mannheim and Solingen, which not only influence politics, but also significantly shape the voting behavior of people in Germany.

The political landscape is changing: The Alternative for Germany (AfD) achieved over 30 percent in state elections in Thuringia and Saxony and could reach up to 20.8 percent in the next federal election. A survey shows that 77 percent of respondents demand a change in migration policy, and over 90 percent of AfD and BSW supporters are in favor of a new asylum policy, while 65 percent of SPD supporters hold similar views. These developments have prompted the federal government to respond with increased deportations and stricter border controls.

Public opinion and future challenges

The population is increasingly finding itself at the limit of its capacity when it comes to accepting refugees. In view of this situation, statistics speak for themselves: around 32 percent of those surveyed believe that more rejected asylum seekers could be deported. At the same time, municipalities are demanding support because many reception facilities are overloaded. The pressure is growing and the government must respond to people's concerns while finding a humane solution for migrants.

The EU has also decided on new asylum rules in 2023, which stipulate that people with little prospect of staying will be rejected at the external borders. This is intended to help countries with high numbers of refugees, such as Italy and Greece, to be relieved of excessive burdens. It remains essential to find European solutions for dealing with refugees in order to calm public opinion and develop a common understanding of the challenges.

In summary, Karin Prien's story is not just a personal fate, but also reflects trends in society as a whole. Migration and integration remain important issues in Germany, and it is up to politicians to find a balance that takes both the humanitarian aspects and the concerns of the population seriously. The debate about migration will become even more explosive in the future; after all, we are required to protect both humanity and national interests. In order to put this sensitive area on a fair footing, politics should focus more on dialogue with citizens.