Overview

• CDU leader Friedrich Merz has proposed revoking German citizenship for dual nationals who commit serious crimes, sparking significant debate over its legality and implications.
• Germany's Interior Ministry has stated the proposal would violate constitutional protections, emphasizing that citizenship cannot be revoked solely for criminal offenses unless it aligns with strict legal criteria.
• The proposal has drawn criticism from political leaders, including SPD and Green Party officials, who argue it sends a harmful message about belonging and equality for immigrants in Germany.
• Advocacy groups, such as the Turkish Community in Germany, have condemned the plan, warning it would reduce dual nationals to 'citizens on probation' and disproportionately target people with migration backgrounds.
• Merz's comments follow recent debates on citizenship rules, with Germany recording a record number of naturalizations in 2023, largely driven by immigrants from Syria, Turkey, and other countries.