CDU's Laschet: Germany Shouldn't Send Signal It Can Take In All In Need

Speaking on the collapse of the Afghan gov't, chancellor candidate for the centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Armin Laschet states that "I believe that we should not send out the signal now that Germany can virtually take in all those who are now in need." Instead he voiced support for more help on the ground in Afghanistan and neighbouring states.

• Thorsten Benner at the Global Public Policy Institute tweets a thread on the varied responses between Laschet and incumbent Chancellor Angela Merkel: "Laschet specifies his "We cannot allow 2015 to repeat itself" mantra on refugees from Afghanistan: "Don't believe we should send signal Germany can quasi receive all those currently in need". Rather support refugees in region. Doesn't seem to consider direct resettlement for most vulnerable."
• "Of course Germany should support refugees in region. But "sending signal Germany can receive quasi all" is straw man. As one of nations co-responsible for Afghanistan mission Germany needs to offer direct resettlement quota for most vulnerable beyond contractors hoping they can get out of Afghanistan."
• "Merkel put emphasis on trying to get total of 10k Afghans out to Germany: 2500 contractors plus families plus 2000 vulnerable such as rights defenders plus families. Laschet supports this from what I can tell but it's striking he chose different emphasis."