Migration issues: Dobrindt's delay angers the Greens

The Green Party parliamentary group is complaining about the slow responses to its questions about the newly introduced border controls by Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU). Several members of parliament had asked nearly 20 questions about the scope, costs, and legal basis for the more intensive controls at the German borders. Dobrindt's office only answered some questions three days later than agreed. The final response, which was set for Tuesday, only reached the Greens on Friday afternoon.

Green Party deputy parliamentary group leader Konstantin von Notz is annoyed. He told the RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland (RND): "Apparently, Minister Dobrindt and his ministry are finding it extremely difficult to answer obvious questions, which have often been publicly discussed. While other ministries responded within the specified one-week deadline, numerous questions addressed to the Federal Ministry of the Interior remained unanswered."

During the government questioning on Wednesday, Dobrindt told the Bundestag plenary that his department had asked members of parliament for so-called "waiver requests." "However, this did not happen. Despite repeated inquiries, the members of parliament were not given any explanation for the delays, some of which lasted several days," complained von Notz.

"We understand that, especially at the beginning of an electoral term, things need to settle down," said the Green Party's deputy parliamentary group leader. "At the same time, it goes without saying that the parliamentary right to ask questions is respected as a central instrument for the opposition to monitor government action."

The answers to the remaining questions available to the RND are often rather vague – with a few exceptions. The Ministry of the Interior admits that not only the relevant departments within the ministry, but also the Federal Police itself, were involved in developing the justification for the rejection of asylum seekers.

In response to a further question, it is stated without further elaboration: “The measures are in line with Union and international law.” However, according to experts, a “national emergency” regarding migration would have to be declared and justified.