Germany May Strip Dual Nationals of Citizenship Over Antisemitism: Legal Reform Sparks Controversy

Citizenship under conditions?

Germany is considering a major shift in its citizenship law that would allow authorities to revoke citizenship from dual nationals who are involved in antisemitic or extremist activities. The move would only apply to individuals who hold another nationality, in order to prevent statelessness.

As reported by DW and Politico, the proposal is included in planning documents tied to coalition negotiations between Germany’s conservative CDU/CSU bloc and the center-left SPD.

Under the heading “Citizenship Law,” the draft suggests stripping German citizenship from “terror supporters, antisemites, and extremists” who “oppose the free and democratic basic order” — provided they have another nationality.

Migration, loyalty, identity at the heart of debate

This proposal comes amid tense coalition talks that also cover migration, integration, and domestic security. While SPD favors dual citizenship as a success story for immigrant integration, conservatives are pushing for tighter criteria and revocation options.

SPD’s Dirk Wiese, a key negotiator, told DW that his party safeguarded dual citizenship during the talks. Still, the CDU/CSU bloc wants new powers to revoke German citizenship from those it deems dangerous to democratic order.

Discrimination fears

Critics warn that this measure could create two classes of citizens in Germany. Bremen’s mayor Andreas Bovenschulte said that the message to Germany’s five million dual citizens would be clear: your citizenship is conditional, not absolute.

A Berlin-born dual citizen of Palestinian origin echoed these concerns, telling DW:

“The situation is very tense. These changes could become unpleasant for people like me.”

Legal uncertainty

Germany currently allows revocation of citizenship only in limited cases, such as joining a foreign terrorist group — and only if the person has another passport. But the new proposal raises a serious question:
How will “antisemitism” or “extremism” be legally defined?

Will courts make this judgment? Intelligence services? A parliamentary body? The current law provides no easy answers.

Broader European trend

Germany is not alone. Politicians in the Netherlands and Denmark have also called for stricter laws to combat antisemitic hate crimes, sometimes suggesting visa bans or deportations.

This political momentum follows the October 7 Hamas attacks and rising tensions around pro-Palestinian demonstrations in major European cities.

Conclusion

Germany’s citizenship reform debate touches on the core of what it means to belong to a democratic society. For some, it’s a necessary tool to protect constitutional values. For others, it risks targeting minorities and undermining equal rights.

As the reform moves forward, the country faces tough legal and moral questions about identity, loyalty, and justice.