Asylum Applications in Germany Decline Sharply, But Local Governments Call for More Support
In 2024, Germany saw a significant decrease in asylum applications, with a 34% drop compared to the previous year, totaling about 213,500 requests. While the federal government celebrates this trend as evidence of effective migration policies, local officials express concerns about the ongoing challenges of housing and supporting increased refugee populations. Uwe Brandl, President of the German Cities and Towns Federation, advocates for centralized housing solutions and stricter family reunification regulations, emphasizing that local governments require more financial support to cope with the demands of accommodating refugees.