“We need effective solutions”: SPD parliamentary group vice-chair Sonja Eichwede on rejections

Berlin. Sonja Eichwede has been a member of the Bundestag for the SPD since 2021. The 37-year-old judge, originally from Bremen, lives in the Teltow-Fläming district. On Wednesday, she spoke for the first time as deputy leader of the SPD parliamentary group at Friedrich Merz's government statement.

Ms Eichwede, on Wednesday you began your speech in the Bundestag with: “Dear Madam President, dear Chancellor … ” Was that actually difficult for you in view of Friedrich Merz?

Sonja Eichwede: That was an expression of respect. The CDU/CSU won the election. And we have a good coalition agreement, on the basis of which I also elected the Chancellor.

Back in February, you said the CDU's migration plans would endanger security and democracy in Germany. Does that no longer hold true?

In the coalition agreement, we firmly agreed that we would act in accordance with European law – in coordination with our European partners. I am convinced that we need more stability, less conflict, and more constructive solution-finding. Many Brandenburg residents expect us to roll up our sleeves. Bringing order to migration policy is part of that.

Nevertheless, they spoke primarily about humanity and cosmopolitanism.

Order and humanity must not be played off against each other. Municipalities have had to accomplish great things and have often reached their limits. Therefore, something must be done to ensure order.

The previous German government initiated the reform of the Common Security and Coordination of Migration (CEAS) in the EU and established border controls at all German borders. Since then, rejections have also been possible. However, this must under no circumstances jeopardize European unity or violate European law.

On the orders of Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU), some people are now being turned back at the German border when they apply for asylum. On Monday, however, the Polish authorities refused to accept two rejected Afghans. Apparently, that's not working yet, is it?

It is precisely because of cases like these that we have said that we must proceed in coordination with our European partners. I stand by that. We need effective solutions that truly bring order. One thing is also clear: The current European asylum system functions only to a limited extent. CEAS, the new Common European Asylum System, aims to remedy this.

Will asylum seekers continue to be turned away at the German borders – as long as the CEAS is not implemented?

Again, coordination with European partners is important, and federal officials at the borders must have clear instructions.

Don’t you have that currently?

There is a mechanism for following the Interior Minister's instructions. However, from the perspective of the police union, many questions remain unanswered. We should listen to these experts. A solution is needed as soon as possible.

You're now deputy leader of the Bundestag parliamentary group. What does that entail?

On the parliamentary group's executive committee, I am responsible for legal affairs and home affairs, sports, petitions, election scrutiny, immunity, and rules of procedure. I work with the parliamentary group to develop our positions and discuss them with the CDU/CSU side. It's an important task, involving participation in legislative work in Parliament at all levels.

We need to find more common solutions in this government than we did under the traffic light coalition. This bitter, even personal, dispute must stop.

You were also considered a possible Minister of Justice for a long time. How have you experienced these weeks?

There are always more names being discussed than positions available. I saw this as recognition of my work. The new Federal Minister of Justice, Stefanie Hubig, comes from the judiciary, just like me. We work together.

The Federal Ministry of Justice will be particularly important during this legislative period. We will strengthen the judiciary – through digitalization, accelerating procedures, and increasing staffing. We must address tenancy law, something the "traffic light" coalition failed to achieve. Rents have recently risen rapidly. Not only in Berlin, but also in Potsdam and Brandenburg an der Havel. And we urgently need to take more effective action against violence against women.

SPD surprise in Merz cabinet

Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil is the new strongman of the SPD. He is considered your sponsor. What can you say about him?

Lars Klingbeil and others have assembled a good team with new faces for the government and parliamentary group. We must not forget: The election result of 16.4 percent was bitter. As the SPD, we need to put forward people who will go out there, work hard, show their worth, and regain trust.

A particularly large amount of trust has been lost in East Germany. Do you actually see yourself as an East German voice within the extended SPD leadership?

My family lives in Brandenburg, and my son is growing up here. I travel as much as possible to bring the local mood, the concerns, and the problems back to the Bundestag. Politics can only function that way. The people in my constituency, but also across the entire state, are my bosses. And East German voices in particular must be taken seriously now. The developments here are a seismograph for the entire state: in incomes, pensions, and election results. The people of Brandenburg are very honest. In a constructive sense, too.

Did the fact that you are not a native of Brandenburg play a role in the selection of ministers?

I don't know. With Carsten Schneider as Minister for the Environment, Reem Alabali-Radovan as Minister for Development, and Elisabeth Kaiser as Commissioner for Eastern Europe, the SPD is certainly integrating different East German perspectives and generations. That's a good choice.

So far, you haven't supported a possible AfD ban. Now a new report on the party has been published. What is your position?

All legal means should be considered. However, as a lawyer, I say: All legal requirements must be met for a ban. I am open to examining everything. Our democracy is the greatest treasure we have. It must be resilient when someone opposes it and demonstrably wants to destroy it.

The appropriate handling of the AfD also plays a role in the controversial dismissal of the head of the Brandenburg Office for the Protection of the Constitution. Since then, the Brandenburg SPD seems to have been preoccupied with itself. Are you concerned about the image your party is currently projecting?

I don't share your analysis. The members of the state parliament continue to do their work.

On Tuesday, the parliamentary group discussed the Lange case for five hours.

We often do this in the Bundestag, too. Certain things need to be discussed, and openly. As far as I know, there is no significant disagreement on the content. I cannot pass judgment on the procedures within the ministry or the reasons for the personnel decision from here.

In mid-June, the Brandenburg SPD will elect its state executive committee. The old one, with you as an assessor, is running again. Will it stay that way?

I am grateful for the nomination and would be pleased if the party would express its confidence in me again.

Would you also run for deputy party leader if the criticism of Katrin Lange continues?

I have been nominated as an assessor and I am running as an assessor.