German Parliament rejects fast-track citizenship law - The proposal was supported by the government and the largest opposition party
The Bundestag voted to repeal a law that allowed the acquisition of German citizenship through an accelerated procedure, a measure adopted by the previous government led by Social Democrat Olaf Scholz.
The vote passed easily, as the proposal was one of the few to find joint support from the governing coalition and the largest opposition party, the Alternative for Germany (AfD), known for its anti-immigration stance. In total, 450 MPs voted in favor, 134 against, while two abstained.
The Christian Democratic Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, had made the aim of repealing some of the liberal citizenship laws introduced by his predecessor a central focus of his election campaign. However, after the CDU agreed to a coalition agreement with the SPD, only the fast-track procedure law was set to be repealed. The CDU's election platform stated: "A German passport should be the end of the integration process, not the beginning."
For many years, Germany had lagged behind other European countries on the issue of dual citizenship, allowing it only for EU citizens or in very special cases for immigrants from countries outside the bloc who did not have the right to permanent residence.
In July 2024, the SPD-led coalition, together with the Green Party, approved two new paths to citizenship. They included the right to keep the passport of origin and relaxations in the required residence period.
The first law reduced the required period of residence from eight to five years, required a certificate of intermediate German language proficiency, and proof of sufficient income to support oneself and one's family. The accelerated option allowed for citizenship after just three years of residence, if the applicant demonstrated advanced German language skills and other evidence of successful integration into society. This law was repealed by the Bundestag.
Opposition politicians and immigration researchers have expressed concern that the change will send a negative message to qualified immigrants at a time when Germany is facing a demographic crisis.
Rama: We have combined cyber defense with artificial intelligence
During his speech at the third NATO Cyber Defense Conference taking place in Tirana, Prime Minister Edi Rama said: "We must have the best security defense......
Kosovo, 198 businesses benefit from the grant scheme - Agreement worth 9 million euros signed with KIESA
The Kosovo Investment and Enterprise Support Agency (KIESA) has signed agreements worth 8.9 million euros with 198 enterprises benefiting from the grant......
Wealth Distribution in Europe - Which Countries Have the Most Billionaires?
Economic inequality continues to be one of the biggest challenges around the world, including on the European continent. According to data from “Our World in......
"Not only military power, but also digital" - NATO Conference in Tirana, Rutte: We will create the Integrated Cyber Center in Belgium
On November 9-10, Albania will host the 3rd NATO Cyber Defense Conference, where leaders, experts and senior representatives from Alliance member and......
QTU celebrates 20th anniversary as the first shopping center in Albania
An important anniversary, filled with activities and memories, all about the community QTU, the first shopping mall in Albania, celebrates its 20th......
Government decisions, National Civil Aviation Facilitation Program approved
The Government has taken a series of important decisions at today's meeting on October 8, 2025, including the Approval of the National Civil Aviation......
Government decisions, increasing the level of personal security for the leaders of SPAK, anti-corruption courts and BKH
At its meeting today, the Government, with a special decision, decided to further increase personal security for the heads of the prosecution and......
15 million euro agreement, free internet in 73 public spaces in 61 municipalities of the country
Public spaces in 61 municipalities across the country will have free internet for citizens. Within the framework of the European Union's Growth Agenda for......
