Berlin: Taiwanese nationals holding dual German citizenship are set to participate in Germany's federal election this Sunday. This marks a significant milestone following amendments to Germany's Nationality Law last year, which now allows foreign nationals to obtain German citizenship without renouncing their original nationality.
According to Focus Taiwan, the change in law has prompted over 200,000 citizenship applications, a figure that is two to three times higher than in previous years. Among these applicants are numerous Taiwanese citizens who have now gained the right to vote in Germany's elections. Liu Hsin-yi, who has resided in Germany for 16 years, shared her excitement with CNA about becoming a German citizen in January, attributing her decision to the liberalization of the nationality law.
Liu expressed relief at not having to abandon her Taiwanese citizenship, while another Taiwanese citizen, Willen, who has lived in Germany for seven years, highlighted the increased convenience as a primary motivation for applying for German citizenship. He noted that entering Germany as a citizen is now a seamless process due to automation at the border.
The application process for German citizenship takes approximately three to six months and requires fulfilling residency and tax obligations, as well as passing a citizenship exam. This exam consists of 33 multiple-choice questions covering German history, politics, and society. Liu found the exam beneficial for understanding German politics, including the requirement for political parties to secure at least 5 percent of the vote to enter the Bundestag.
For many dual nationals, choosing whom to vote for in Germany's election is a complex decision given the competition among 29 political parties. Lin Pei-yi, a resident of Germany for a decade, utilized AI tools like ChatGPT to overcome language barriers and understand party policies. She emphasized Berlin's international nature and the challenges faced by non-German speakers.
In contrast, Liu engaged in frequent political discussions within her social circle and had made her voting decision well ahead of the election. Immigration policy remains a critical concern for Taiwanese citizens in Germany, with the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party gaining popularity despite its perceived anti-immigrant stance. Liu intends to vote for The Left, a party she believes will better safeguard immigrant rights.
Lin, on the other hand, favors the Free Democratic Party (FDP) for its immigration-friendly yet cautious refugee policy. Meanwhile, Willen plans to vote strategically to prevent far-right parties like the AfD from gaining seats in the Bundestag.