Germany has withdrawn its program to accelerate the acquisition of German citizenship, reflecting a change in the country's attitude towards migration.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz and his party had promised during the election campaign to repeal legislation that allowed people considered "exceptionally integrated" to obtain citizenship within three years - instead of the five normally required.
"German citizenship should be a reward for a successful integration process, not an incentive for illegal immigration," said Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt.
The rest of the citizenship law, one of the main achievements of the previous Olaf Scholz government, will remain in force. It includes allowing dual citizenship and shortening the overall waiting period from eight to five years – although these changes were strongly opposed by conservatives at the time they were passed.