Seehofer vows to increase deportations

Horst Seehofer, Germany's designated interior minister, said he plans to put in place a "master plan" to speed up asylum procedures and ensure consistent deportations in comments published on Sunday.

"The number of deportations must be increased significantly. We need to take tougher action, especially in the case of criminals and perpetrators among asylum seekers," Seehofer told German newspaper Bild am Sonntag.

Seehofer, who has been critical of German Chancellor Angela Merkel's immigration policies, said decisions on asylum applications must be made in a few months rather than in a year or more.

Read more: Opinion: An 'upper limit' on refugees — by any other name

'Strong state'

The head of the conservative Bavarian Christian Social Union (CSU) vowed to adopt a "zero tolerance" policy toward criminals.

"We want to remain an open-minded and liberal country. But when it comes to protecting our citizens, we need a strong state. I'll make sure of that," Seehofer said.

The future interior minister called for effective video surveillance at every hot spot in the country.

"There has to be a consensus throughout Germany that we will no longer tolerate lawless zones," he said.

Seehofer will take over the newly renamed and enhanced Interior, Construction and Homeland ("Heimat") Ministry in the upcoming coalition government.

Read more: A deeper look at Germany's new Interior and Heimat Ministry 

ap/aw (Reuters, dpa)

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