Annalena Baerbock erntet scharfe Kritik von Jens Spahn, für die Charterflüge aus Afghanistan, die Hilfskräfte nach Deutschland bringen. © Mike Schmidt/SZ Photo; Kay Nietfeld/dpa Montage: IPPEN.MEDIA
The ongoing controversy around the Baerbock Afghanistan flights has intensified as key CDU figures accuse the outgoing foreign minister of exceeding her mandate. With Germany currently in a transitional government phase, the decision to proceed with evacuation flights for Afghan nationals is drawing sharp political fire and sparking debate over responsibility, legality, and asylum policy.
CDU Denounces Baerbock Afghanistan Flights as Overreach
Senior CDU leaders are sharply criticizing Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock for her role in facilitating the evacuation of Afghan nationals to Germany. Former Health Minister Jens Spahn called the chartered flights “totally misguided and presumptuous” in an interview with web.de, pointing out that the current government no longer commands a parliamentary majority and should act with restraint.
Schuster: Outgoing Government Should Exercise Caution
Armin Schuster, Saxony’s Interior Minister, echoed the criticism, stating that a caretaker administration should not advance programs that the incoming coalition intends to scrap. He accused Baerbock of advancing “divisive policies in rapid succession” just before leaving office, calling her approach reckless and ideologically driven.
Linnemann Criticizes Baerbock Afghanistan Flights: “We Can’t Stop Them—Yet”
Carsten Linnemann, CDU’s Secretary General, voiced similar frustrations during an appearance on Welt TV. He acknowledged that the current administration remains technically in power but vowed that once Friedrich Merz assumes the chancellorship—expected after the May 6 vote—refugee flights will be halted in alignment with the new government’s agenda.
Incoming Coalition to Take Stricter Stance on Migration
The coalition agreement between CDU, CSU, and SPD outlines a plan to drastically limit federal resettlement efforts, including those for Afghan refugees. The document explicitly states that no new admission programs will be launched, and existing ones will be wound down as far as legally possible.
Three More Baerbock Afghanistan Flights Scheduled
Despite pushback from conservatives, three additional Baerbock Afghanistan flights are expected to land in Germany this month. Officials confirmed that one flight will arrive in Leipzig on April 16, followed by two more on April 23 and April 29.
Who’s Being Evacuated? Local Staff and At-Risk Activists
Passengers on these flights include former Afghan employees who worked for German institutions and vulnerable individuals such as human rights defenders and women’s rights advocates. The Foreign Ministry maintains that these evacuations are legally binding and honor prior commitments made by the federal government.
Foreign Ministry Defends Baerbock Afghanistan Flights
A spokesperson from the Foreign Office revealed that roughly 2,600 individuals with approved relocation status are currently in the process of departing for Germany. “These commitments remain valid and legally enforceable,” the spokesperson confirmed. No new applications are being processed at this time, and the new administration will determine future policy.
Concerns Over Local Capacity and Integration
Interior Minister Armin Schuster expressed concern about the strain on German cities and towns, arguing that municipalities are already at their limits in terms of housing and support services. He warned that successful integration has become increasingly difficult and criticized the rising number of extended family members arriving alongside initial evacuees. “This program is no longer under control,” he said bluntly.
