Merkel's CDU party lacks clear policies on immigration, Turkey, says rival

BERLIN, Aug 27 (KUNA) -- Social Democratic Party (SDP) chief Martin Schulz said that the leader of his rival party in the upcoming parliamentary elections, Chancellor Angela Merkel, lacked clear policies on immigration and Turkey's provocative rhetoric.
Schulz critisised Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader, Merkel, for not doing enough to encourage burden-sharing amongst other European Union member countries on hosting refugees and asylum seekers.
His remarks came in an interview with public TV channel, Das Erste, ahead of elections due on September 24 - regarded one of the most important in modern history - in the wake of a huge refugee influx and an unusually unstable relationship with Turkey.
He critisised the asylum and refugee crisis summit Merkel is set to attend the following day in Paris, alongside the leaders of France, Italy, Spain, Libya and Chad, calling it an exhibition.
Berlin could mount financial pressure in order to turn the heads of EU governments that refuse to receive refugees, he argued.
Meanwhile, he expressed his party's support of a proposal for the establishment of refugee centres in North Africa in a bid to quell human trafficking practices, and convince the refugees to remain in their home countries.
Separately, on the German-Turkish relationship, Schulz commented that Merkel needed to take a firm stance on Ankara's provocative actions and jailing of German journalists and activists.
Social Democrats support a strict policy towards Turkish President Recep Erdogan, who violates international law, said Schulz.
Responding to the allegations, in a separate interview with German channel ZDF, Merkel said she assumes a balanced policy that serves the interests of all Germans.
Defending her immigration policy, Merkel said she does not regret her open-door policy despite the arrival of over a million refugees to Germany since the 2015 decision.
She also denied accusations of agreeing a pact alongside other European countries whereby Libya would force refugees, planning to flee to Europe, to stay at camps which lack appropriate humanitarian conditions.
The Libyan coast guard deliver these refugees to international organisations that ensure their wellbeing, she said, adding that Germany intends to provide some 50 million euros to a fund supporting this initiative.
The latest exit polls reveal Merkel's CDU party taking a 15 percent lead over their SDP rivals, with 38 percent of the votes. (end) anj.sd