Ongoing coalition negotiations in Germany between the conservative parties, the Christian Democratic Union and Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU), and the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) have faced significant tensions, particularly regarding immigration and integration policies.

A draft paper, reviewed for its implications on citizenship law, suggests potential reforms aimed at enhancing national security.

The proposed amendments include provisions for the revocation of German citizenship for individuals identified as 'terror supporters,' 'antisemites,' and extremists calling for the abolition of the democratic order, contingent on their holding a second nationality.

SPD politician Dirk Wiese, a member of the negotiating team, has characterized this proposal as a victory for the SPD, emphasizing their success in maintaining the dual citizenship option.

The CDU/CSU had previously sought to limit the rights of dual nationals, proposing that citizenship could be revoked under certain circumstances.

Some members of the SPD have expressed concerns that this may lead to unequal treatment of citizens, raising questions about the perceived value of citizenship for individuals holding dual nationalities.

The proposed changes have prompted responses from various sectors of society.

Bremen Mayor Andreas Bovenschulte highlighted the potential disenfranchisement it could foster among Germany's five million dual citizens, suggesting that such policies may instill a sense of inferior citizenship status among affected individuals.

Critics within and outside the political sphere argue the proposal may result in a 'two-class citizenship law.' Clara Bünger from the Left Party raised concerns regarding the implications of defining citizenship and belonging within a diverse society.

She called for transparency in citizenship laws and equal rights for all individuals residing in Germany.

Current German law allows for citizenship to be revoked in specific circumstances, particularly for those who fight for designated terrorist organizations like ISIS, provided they possess a second nationality.

The CDU/CSU's recent push for stricter regulations has included calls to deport individuals with dual citizenship who commit crimes.

The draft proposal indicates a shift in how concepts such as 'antisemite' and 'terror supporter' will be defined legally, leading to potential challenges regarding legal interpretation and enforcement.

Antisemitism, although addressed within German criminal law through the lens of incitement to hatred, does not have a specific legal framework as a standalone criminal offense.

This proposed amendment could create disparities in the treatment of dual nationals versus those holding only German citizenship.

Critics assert that this approach may disproportionately target individuals from Arab or Muslim backgrounds.

The Bundestag has recently reaffirmed its commitment to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's working definition of antisemitism, which includes various examples of conduct deemed antisemitic.

This definition has faced criticism for its scope, and there are concerns about the implications for free speech and academic discourse.

The fundamental law of Germany includes provisions that protect citizenship rights, although exceptions exist, especially concerning individuals associated with terrorist entities.

Some members of the Jewish community, including experts in Jewish studies, have expressed alarm at the potential revival of citizenship withdrawal as a tool of exclusion, echoing historical injustices perpetrated during the Nazi regime.

A looming concern is the influence of far-right populism on policy formulation, particularly from the Alternative for Germany (AfD), which has gained traction in recent elections.

There are fears that such demographic and political shifts could normalize fascistic ideologies and contribute to the stigmatization of certain groups.

The draft proposal is still pending constitutional review, and the precise mechanisms for identifying and prosecuting alleged offenders remain unclear.

Reactions from legal authorities suggest a cautious stance, with SPD members expressing confidence that the proposal may not withstand legal scrutiny, though those potentially impacted remain apprehensive.