Merkel determined to deport migrants with no right to stay

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, whose conservative party faces possible defeat in an election in her home state on Sunday, has said that the consistent policy of repatriation of migrants without the right to stay is necessary.

The big influx of refugees and migrants has dragged her approval ratings to a five-year low of 45 percent but Merkel was unapologetic saying that faced with the same situation, she would act the same.

Far fewer migrants are arriving in Germany now because of border closures in south-eastern Europe and thanks to a deal between Turkey and the European Union. Ankara agreed to take back migrants from Greece in return for accelerated EU accession talks and visa-free travel for Turks to the bloc.

Merkel, who is contemplating a bid for a fourth term as chancellor in next year’s federal election, has cited intense efforts to integrate refugees through language courses and other help, but has also pressed for quicker deportations of those whose asylum applications have been denied.

“But, some people say – and rightfully so – those who do not have a right to stay must leave our country,” Merkel said at a election event in the Northern state of

Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania on Saturday (September 3).

The German government repatriated 21,000 people last year and 35,000 in the first seven months of 2016.

Merkel’s Christian Democrats are polling neck and neck in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania with the anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which has been siphoning away conservative voters with its virulent anti-refugee stance.

She urged voters at an election rally in Bad Doberan, a small town in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, to keep the region’s current centre-right coalition government in power.

“At the end, only the ballot paper in the ballot box counts. Therefore, I urge you to support the CDU, support a high turnout of the election, for a constructive way forward, for this wonderful state, this wonderful region. Thank you very much,” she said.