Germany repeals little-used fast track citizenship scheme
Summary
Germany has ended a program that allowed certain highly qualified foreigners to apply for citizenship after living in the country for three years instead of the usual five. This decision was made by the German parliament, the Bundestag, and was part of an election promise by Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The program had only been used by a few hundred people and faced political opposition.Key Facts
- Germany's Bundestag decided to end the fast-track citizenship program.
- The program allowed qualified foreigners to apply for citizenship after three years of residence.
- The program was introduced in 2024 and only had a few hundred applicants.
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz's government had promised to repeal the program.
- Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt argued the program devalued German citizenship.
- The change was supported by the AfD, a party known for its anti-immigration stance.
- The fast-track option was part of reforms under former Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
- Other reforms, like reducing standard residency requirements to five years, remain in place.
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