Germany’s Chancellor Defends Talks with Taliban on Afghan Migrant Deportations

Friedrich Merz, the Chancellor of Germany, has stated that engaging in talks with the Taliban administration to deport Afghan migrants is beneficial for Germany. During a session in the German parliament, he emphasized that Berlin is not seeking to normalize the Taliban regime but is conducting such contacts within the framework of diplomatic relations.

According to Deutsche Welle on Wednesday, June 24, Merz said in the German parliament that diplomatic relations between countries have always existed, and Germany has had such relations with Afghanistan in the past. He added that these interactions do not imply political recognition of the Taliban administration.

However, the German government’s policy of using communication channels with the Taliban administration to facilitate migrant deportations has faced criticism from several Bundestag members. Critics argue that any official interaction could strengthen a group that faces global condemnation due to its human rights record and extensive restrictions on Afghan citizens, especially women.

Previously, Germany had accepted two Taliban representatives at the Afghan embassy and consulate in Berlin and Bonn, a move that sparked extensive political debates within the country.