Explained: Scholz' pledge to 'deport people in a big way'

The German government has announced that it will "deport people in a big way". What does this mean and who will it affect?

Dear Reader,

In a recent edition of Der Spiegel, Germany’s leading political magazine, Olaf Scholz’ face was splashed across the cover accompanied by the words: “we need to finally deport in a big way.”

In terms of the actual substance of what the chancellor said, there was nothing new here. The coalition agreement, signed by his traffic light government back in 2021, committed the government to a “deportation offensive” with a focus on “criminals and extremists.”

More significant was the way in which Mr Scholz’ words were presented. He reportedly told MPs for his Social Democrats (SPD) that they needed to give him some space to make a big announcement on migration - and the traditionally SPD-friendly Der Spiegel gladly cooperated.

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By splashing the quote on its front cover and then running with it for the next week (every politician between Berlin and Buxtehude was given the chance to comment), Der Spiegel willingly let itself be a tool in the chancellor’s campaign to “take the initiative…