The recent developments in Germany, particularly the firing of Finance Minister Christian Lindner by Chancellor Olaf Scholz and the potential shift in government after the 2025 elections, have indeed raised questions about the future of the country’s citizenship laws. The uncertainty around the future of dual citizenship is a particularly pressing issue for non-citizen residents, as the political landscape looks set to shift in the direction of the conservative CDU/CSU, who have historically opposed dual citizenship.

Here's a breakdown of the current situation and what it means for residents and potential new citizens in Germany:

1. Current Citizenship Laws (as of 2024)

Under the existing German Citizenship Act (Staatsangehörigkeitsgesetz), significant reforms were passed by the Scholz government, which have expanded access to German citizenship:

• Dual citizenship is now permitted, meaning that people can hold both German citizenship and the citizenship of another country.
• The minimum residency requirement to apply for German citizenship has been reduced from eight years to five years.
• Under special conditions, it’s possible to acquire citizenship after only three years of residency (e.g., for people who are particularly well-integrated into German society).

These reforms were passed due to the strong support from the ruling coalition, which had a majority in the Bundestag at the time. The goal was to make Germany's citizenship laws more inclusive and aligned with the realities of a globalized, multicultural society.

2. Potential Change in Government

The CDU/CSU, historically opposed to dual citizenship, is expected to win the next election in early 2025. Several key figures from these parties, such as Andrea Lindholz, have already signaled their intent to "revisit" the recent reforms, especially the allowance for dual citizenship.

However, while the CDU/CSU is predicted to win, it is likely they will not have an outright majority. This means they would need to form a coalition with one or more other parties to govern. Given that the parties supporting the current citizenship reforms (e.g., SPD, Green Party, FDP) are unlikely to agree to a complete rollback of the changes, the future of the law will likely be subject to negotiation.

Key Possibilities:

• Revised, not Reversed: The CDU/CSU might try to scale back or modify certain aspects of the law, such as limiting dual citizenship or increasing the residency requirements again. However, any significant change would likely be moderated by coalition negotiations, particularly with the parties that supported the reforms in the first place.
• Gradual Phase-Out: Another scenario could involve a phased-in approach to change, where the government might impose stricter conditions on acquiring citizenship over time, but not immediately affect those who have already acquired or regained German citizenship under the new rules.

3. What Does This Mean for Non-Citizen Residents?

• For Those Who Have Already Acquired Citizenship: If you have already obtained German citizenship or regained your original citizenship under the current rules, it is highly unlikely that these changes will affect you. Legal rights are usually not retroactive, and there is typically a grandfather clause that protects people who have already been granted citizenship.
• For Those Who Are Still in the Process: If you are in the process of applying for citizenship, the outcome will depend on the timing of the political changes and whether the CDU/CSU and their potential coalition partners introduce any modifications to the law after they take office. If you're close to meeting the residency requirements (e.g., five years), there is a chance you could benefit from the existing rules before any changes occur.
• For Future Applicants: For people who plan to apply for German citizenship after the 2025 elections, there is a greater degree of uncertainty. Depending on how the next government chooses to amend the laws, it may become more difficult to qualify for citizenship or hold dual citizenship. However, since the CDU/CSU would likely have to compromise with other parties in any coalition, sweeping changes might not be immediate or drastic.

4. Conclusion

The upcoming elections in Germany will likely lead to some changes in the country's citizenship laws, but these changes may not be as severe as some anticipate. While the CDU/CSU has expressed their opposition to dual citizenship, any significant alterations to the law will require coalition negotiations. For those who have already secured citizenship under the new rules, there should be little to worry about. However, for those in the process or planning to apply in the future, it’s wise to stay updated on political developments, as the outcome of the elections and coalition talks will likely influence the final shape of the citizenship laws.