The FDP focuses on migration policy with a position paper
Published: Saturday, Oct 19th 2024, 14:30
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The FDP is calling on the federal government to take tougher action against illegal migration. The delegates adopted a position paper in Tenero TI on Saturday that calls for economic migrants who are not entitled to asylum to leave the country more quickly.
The delegates approved the position paper by 228 votes to 4. The positions formulated in the paper were not discussed in depth.
However, party president Thierry Burkart emphasized in his closing speech that it was important for the FDP to take a stance on illegal migration as a popular party. The issue was burning under people's nails.
Migration is an emotional topic and not an easy one because it concerns the fate of people, said Damian Müller, member of the Lucerne Council of States. Müller played a key role in drafting the paper.
Abuse of the asylum system
The paper has the motto "tough but fair" and only refers to illegal migration. A persecuted person should receive protection, said Müller. However, the asylum system was being abused with the "massive complicity of the FDJP". Economic migrants who were not granted asylum should be encouraged to return home and not remain in Switzerland. An efficient repatriation system would serve as a deterrent.
According to the paper, illegal migration should be combated through targeted border controls, for example. However, systematic border controls are rejected because they would damage the economy.
According to the paper, the FDP also wants rejected refugees and criminals to be deported more consistently. "Healthcare migration" is also a thorn in its side.
However, the FDP also sees a need for action with recognized refugees when it comes to social welfare. It is also calling on the federal government to insist that European states comply with the Dublin rules and, if necessary, to use pressure. However, leaving the Dublin system would be irresponsible, it said.
Profiling
The position paper is also a reaction from the FDP to its poor performance in the federal elections a year ago. The delegates have already adopted a paper on education policy in 2024.
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis was pleased to see his party raise its profile. He told the delegates that it had not been easy for the FDP after the 2023 elections. Now the party is taking on issues that concern people,
The party president also called for a higher profile and swore the delegates to a liberal policy change. The Freisinn must fight for the "liberal success model" and take a stand for those who are willing to work and commit themselves, said Burkart.
Slogans adopted
The delegates also voted in favor of three of the four national referendum proposals, namely the two tenancy law proposals and the uniform financing of healthcare services. The proposals were not disputed by the delegates.
The FDP had already voted in favor of the fourth proposal, the expansion of congested stretches of freeway, at an earlier delegates' meeting.
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