Germany Faces Political Tensions Over Afghan Evacuation Flights

As three more flights are planned in April, CDU leaders criticize the outgoing government’s approach, citing security and integration concerns.

The German government has scheduled three additional flights this month to evacuate vulnerable Afghans from Pakistan, with flights set for April 16, 23, and 29.
These evacuations are part of a legally binding program to admit approximately 2,600–2,800 individuals, including former local staff and at-risk advocates for human rights.
CDU officials, including Armin Schuster and Carsten Linnemann, have strongly criticized the program, citing security lapses and the strain on local municipalities.
The government affirms that all evacuees undergo strict security screenings, though CDU leaders allege some flights have included insufficiently vetted individuals.
Friedrich Merz and CDU leadership have pledged to end the evacuation program once a new government is formed, signaling a shift in policy direction.