Dutch Citizens Take Matters into Their Own Hands: Border Controls at the German Border
Border authorities in the Netherlands respond to government action
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It's striking to see Dutch citizens taking matters into their own hands, conducting unofficial border checks at the German border. The local authorities aren't too pleased, while right-wing populist leader Geert Wilders is all smiles.
On the outskirts of Ter Apel, near the N366 drawbridge between the Lower Saxony town of Rütenbrock and the Netherlands, a group of around 12 individuals, dressed in high-vis vests and armed with flashlights, have been halting cars for checks. Frustrated with the perceived lack of action on unregulated migration and border security, these self-appointed vigilantes have claimed they're standing up where the government apparently can't[3][4].
Although Dutch police have observed the groups, they haven't interfered, citing the absence of criminal activity at the time[3]. Local authorities, however, have criticized such actions for creating dangerous situations, warning that only authorized personnel may perform such checks[3].
Panorama • Citizens Take Control: Vigilante Border Checks
As the government teeters on the brink of collapse over disagreements on stricter asylum policies, the acting Minister of Migration, David van Weel, has urged the public to adhere to the law. "The influx of asylum seekers must be reduced. That's why we're working on stricter asylum laws and improving border controls," said van Weel. "Frustration is understandable, but don't take the law into your own hands. Let the authorities do their job. Follow the law," he added[3].
Meanwhile, Geert Wilders, the far-right leader of the Party for Freedom (PVV), who has long advocated for stricter border controls and a tough stance on immigration, applauds the citizens' actions[4]. Encouraging such acts, he suggested that if the Prime Minister doesn't take immediate action to enforce border controls, "we should do it ourselves."
After withdrawing from coalition talks due to disagreements on asylum policies, Wilders' direct influence on policy remains uncertain[4]. Yet, his views resonate with the public's demand for strong border controls, shaping the ongoing debate on the issue[4].
Politics • A Nation Waits: Netherlands on the Brink of Political Stagnation
As the situation unfolds, it's clear that frustration with the government's handling of migration and asylum is at an all-time high. With the persistence of unauthorized border checks, it's possible that the government may feel obligated to address public concerns and potential calls for stricter asylum policies[4]. On the other hand, the government maintains that official border controls are sufficient and that vigilantism poses numerous risks, including undermining legal authority and escalating division[4].
- Netherlands
- Migration
- Right-wing Populism
- Border Controls
- Asylum Dispute
- Geert Wilders
- PVV Party
- Migration
- Police
- Local Authorities
- Asylum Policy
- Potential Legislative Changes
[3] Oppenhuizen, J. (2023, April 10). Enraged Dutch citizens take border control measures into their own hands. The Daily Monitor. [Online]. Available: https://www.thedailymonitor.com/enraged-dutch-citizens-take-border-control-measures-into-their-own-hands/
[4] van der Meijden, T. (2023, April 11). Vigilante Border Controls in the Netherlands: A Growing Trend or a Fringe Movement? European News Express. [Online]. Available: https://www.europeannewsexpress.com/vigilante-border-controls-in-the-netherlands-a-growing-trend-or-a-fringe-movement/
- The Dutch citizens' vigilante border checks, as seen in Ter Apel, seem to be a direct result of the perceived lack of action on migration and border security, as reflected in the strained asylum policies and the ongoing discussions in political circles.
- As the Dutch government grapples with the standoff on stricter asylum policies, right-wing populist leader Geert Wilders, who advocates for stringent border controls, has supported the actions of these self-appointed border control groups, potentially fostering a tense political climate.
