In a reform of obtaining nationality that came into force this week and was widely criticized by the right-wing opposition, Germany has above all shortened the deadlines and removed several constraints.
The reform of access to nationality in Germany came into force on Thursday. Supported by the “traffic light” coalition in Germany led by Social Democratic Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and adopted in the Bundestag on January 19, this reform relaxes the conditions for obtaining nationality.
One of the main measures provides for applicants to no longer have to renounce their previous nationality. Previously, all applicants except EU citizens had to give up their foreign passport to obtain German citizenship.
The rules are also relaxed for certain workers, notably “guest workers”, who arrived in West Germany between 1955 and 1972 mainly from Turkey. The time taken to obtain them is also reduced from 8 years to 5 years and is even accelerated in the case of integration deemed particularly successful, such as very good command of the language or voluntary work. These time limits are also shortened for children of foreign parents.
In addition to these reductions, the reform nevertheless provides for a new restriction. Applicants for citizenship must now answer questions during their exam on “the themes of anti-Semitism, the right of the State of Israel to exist and Jewish life in Germany”, it is written in the text published by the Ministry of the Interior. These questions must integrate the current questionnaire of which the candidate must obtain at least half of the correct answers, explained in particular The mirror in January.
Revocation of nationality
The new law also provides for questions “about Germany’s special historical responsibility for the unjust regime of National Socialism and its consequences, especially for the protection of Jewish life”. Among the test, we find in particular: What is the name of the place of worship of the Jews? When was the State of Israel founded? Why does Germany have a special responsibility towards Israel?
Like France, Germany has been facing a spectacular resurgence of anti-Semitic acts since October 7, which have increased by 80% in 2023. Of the total 4,782 anti-Semitic acts recorded, two-thirds were recorded after the Hamas attack on Israel, according to a report published Tuesday by the Federal Association of Research and Information Centers on Anti-Semitism, which is a reference in Germany.
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These new criteria, although symbolic, are accompanied by another measure that allows the State to reverse within 10 years if it turns out that the candidate lied during his naturalization process. “We have also made it clear: anyone who does not share our values will not be able to obtain a German passport. Here we have drawn a very clear red line and made the law much stricter than before.defended German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser. “Anyone who shares our values and makes an effort can now obtain a German passport more quickly and does not have to give up part of their identity with the old citizenship.”she also congratulated herself.
“Sell off the German passport”
According to The mirrorthis reform could affect at least 5.3 million foreigners who have been in Germany for at least 10 years out of the 12 million present in the country (14% of the population). In recent years, the number of naturalizations has exploded in Germany. In 2023, 200,100 people received German citizenship, compared to 169,100 in 2022. The Süddeutsche Zeitung also reports in detail that more than a third (38%) of new citizens in 2023 were of Syrian origin. This was followed by Turks and Iraqis. Proportionally, these new citizens are more often men and are younger than the population with an average age of 29.
This reform is highly criticized by the opposition parties to the current government. It is notably accused of “sell the passport”according to Alexander Dobrindt, one of the leading figures of the CSU. CDU spokesperson Alexander Throm, for his part, described the reform as “Citizenship Devaluation Act”.
The radical right-wing party Alternative for Germany (AfD) has strongly criticised the new law, saying it “soften” the requirements to obtain “the most precious good a state can offer”The ruling coalition, made up of the social-democratic left of the PSD, the environmentalists and the liberals of the FPD, justifies this new law in particular. “due to the large shortage of jobs and skilled workers”.
