Germany Halts UN Refugee Resettlement Amid Coalition Talks

Germany has temporarily suspended its participation in a UN refugee resettlement programme as negotiations for a new conservative-led coalition government are underway. The Federal Ministry of the Interior confirmed that no new applications for resettlement will be approved, reflecting a likely shift towards stricter immigration and asylum policies. This decision comes amid rising support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party and increasing public demand for reduced migrant intake, particularly after several violent incidents involving refugees. While Germany plans to accept 13,000 refugees over 2024 and 2025, only cases with advanced processing will continue during this suspension. The program, which has been in effect since 2012, primarily aids particularly vulnerable refugees from countries like Syria and Eritrea. UNHCR officials expect the programme to resume once the new government is established and a new interior minister is appointed.