Germany Debates Stricter Border Controls
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A recent survey reveals that a significant majority of Germans favor stricter border policies, including direct rejections, increased border controls, and more deportations. This sentiment is particularly strong among older citizens. In response, the Union party advocates for the Federal Police to have the authority to reject asylum seekers at the border. Starting Monday, Germany will implement controls at its land borders with France, Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, following similar measures at the borders with Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland since October 2023. Over 30,000 people have been turned away since October 2022.
The debate over border policies has sparked political tensions. Poland has criticized Germany's new border controls, viewing them as a strain on bilateral relations. Conversely, the German government sees no such burden and emphasizes cooperation with Poland’s new administration.
In Bavaria, the Freie Wähler party plans to file a constitutional lawsuit to push for a more stringent asylum policy, particularly the rejection of migrants at the borders. They cite Article 16a of the Basic Law, which grants asylum rights to politically persecuted individuals unless they come from an EU country. However, the CSU party is skeptical about the effectiveness of such a lawsuit, arguing for a more immediate solution. Despite internal disagreements, both parties acknowledge the urgent need for decisive action at the borders. This ongoing debate underscores the challenges Germany faces in balancing security concerns with humanitarian obligations.
