We are publishing our last interview before Christmas. We had the opportunity to speak to Siemtje Möller, Member of the Bundestag, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister of Defence, CC and member of the German Atlantic Society. 

It's about a very serious current topic, migration in Germany and irregular migration in particular. The background to this was an Instagram post that the MP wrote on 17 October. She said she was pleased with the legislative package presented by Nancy Faeser. This legislative package from 23 October is about more and faster returns. But our interview is also about freedom of expression. And is there even a debate on migration in Germany?

Finally, we had the opportunity to talk to her about the Invictus Games 2023 in Düsseldorf, which were organised by the German Armed Forces. She was present at many events in Düsseldorf City Hall with Prince Harry and directly at the Games. She said she was very happy that this event existed at all and that it was possible to give the athletes and their families a "Home for Respect" in Düsseldorf, the core message of this year's games, which was about giving the soldiers recognition from society.

20. December 2023

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Name: Siemtje Möller

Occupation: Member of the Bundestag, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister of Defence, CC and member of the German Atlantic Society

"A joint effort is also needed to ensure better living conditions in the countries of origin. Only then will it be possible to prevent people from having to flee."

What prompted you to write the Instagram post of 27 October?

In my opinion, explaining the political debate is one of the tasks of members of parliament. In addition to traditional media, I also use social networks to present my position and call for differentiation in the debate.

Can you explain to readers what you mean by irregular migration?

Many people from all over the world seek protection in Germany, be it from war and terror, persecution or for economic reasons. The number of people who have come to Germany this year from so-called third countries has increased enormously and is leading to considerable problems with the accommodation and integration of these people. It can currently be assumed that more than 300,000 people from third countries will apply for asylum in Germany in 2023 as a whole. In the previous year, this figure was just under 220,000 people. Most of these irregular travellers come to Germany via other EU member states. These states with external borders are responsible for registering these people and carrying out asylum procedures. However, this does not happen as intended, meaning that many people arrive in Germany who have not yet been registered. This leads to the system being overwhelmed. Citizens expect - and rightly so - that the state controls immigration and only grants asylum to those who have a right to protection and are allowed to stay.

A joint effort is also needed to ensure better living conditions in the countries of origin. Only then will it be possible to prevent people from having to flee. But we must also create legal channels for immigration. As a coalition, we are committed to this.

We also need better conditions for refugees here in Germany. Above all, we need to make an effort to achieve better integration. People must arrive in our country, feel welcome and have the opportunity to learn our language. Only then can we succeed in integrating those who stay with us.

Our editorial team attended an event on 6 June (Broststiftung in Essen) at which the judge at the Federal Constitutional Court, Peter Müller, and the cabaret artist Dieter Nur took part in a discussion. Dieter Nuhr said that there would be no migration debate in Germany. How do you see that?

I do believe that many people are concerned with the issue of migration. During my appointments in the constituency, the topics of immigration and migration are always at the centre of discussions with citizens.

In times like the Gaza conflict with all the displaced people, it is probably the right time to talk about migration.

If we go after that, it's never the right time to discuss anything. The conflict in Israel or the war in Ukraine must not give us pause. That would be a fatal sign. On the contrary: especially in difficult times, we must not lose sight of other important issues.

You are also on the board of the German Atlantic Society. What is your role here?

I am an assessor on the board.

"I am already looking forward to the Invictus Games 2025 in Canada!"

The Invictus Games 2023 in Düsseldorf moved many people deeply, because in the past people had no connection to the world of soldiers and were not aware of their fates. How did you experience the Games?

I experienced many very moving moments in Düsseldorf. We experienced seven unique days of competition full of emotion, sporting success, comradely support and a breathtaking atmosphere. I am grateful that this fantastic event exists and that we were able to offer the Games a "Home for Respect" in Düsseldorf. I am particularly proud of Team Germany. All of our athletes have achieved outstanding things and deserve that the people of our country look on and share the enthusiasm for the performance of our soldiers. I am already looking forward to the Invictus Games 2025 in Canada!

State Secretary Siemtje Möller in the townhall Düsseldorf

©IG23

Lord Mayor Dr Stephan Keller welcomes Duke Harry and Duchess Meghan to Düsseldorf. (from left: Brigadier General Alfred Marstaller, Lord Mayor Dr Keller, Harry and Meghan, State Secretary Siemtje Möller and Lieutenant General Markus Laubenthal) ©IG23