Germany’s proposed reclassification of Morocco as a “safe country of origin” has ignited fierce political debate in Berlin, with critics accusing Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s government of bypassing democratic norms.
The Merz-led coalition, which includes the Christian Democratic Union and the Social Democratic Party, seeks to add Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and India to the list through a government decree, circumventing Bundesrat (Federal Council) approval.
The move is seen as a legal maneuver to override objections from the opposition Green Party, which holds enough votes in the Bundesrat to block such proposals.
The Green Party sharply criticized the approach, calling it unconstitutional and likening it to executive overreach reminiscent of former U.S. President Donald Trump.
“This decision shakes the foundations of the rule of law,” said Filiz Polat, the Greens’ migration policy expert, arguing that participation of constitutional bodies is not symbolic but a constitutional duty.
The opposition also pointed to legal opinions stating that changes to the list must be legislated, not imposed by decree. A previous attempt under Angela Merkel’s administration to classify these same North African countries failed due to Green Party resistance.
Despite the backlash, Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt defended the plan, saying it would streamline the rejection of “largely unfounded” asylum applications from citizens of these countries.
He argued that asylum recognition rates for Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia remain very low under Article 16 of Germany’s Basic Law.
Government supporters claim the reform would reduce pressure on courts, regional authorities, and applicants by accelerating processing times. “Applicants would get faster, clearer decisions,” said Dirk Wiese of the Social Democratic Party.
However, human rights groups warned the measure would jeopardize protection for vulnerable individuals by narrowing access to asylum.
If enacted, Morocco’s inclusion on the safe countries list would significantly limit Moroccan nationals’ ability to claim asylum in Germany and facilitate increased deportations.
Current members of the list include Albania, Serbia, Senegal, and Georgia, among others.
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