Saxony's Interior Minister Armin Schuster (CDU) is pushing for an extension of border controls at the Polish and Czech borders, suggesting a six-month duration instead of the current 14-day rhythm. Schuster, who considers this as the right article in the Schengen Borders Code, cites Bavaria as an example where this six-month period has proven effective.
Schuster backed the success of those border controls, stating a decline in apprehended refugees to around 20-25 per week, and nearly eliminating smugglers since their introduction in mid-October. The CDU politician called for such measures earlier in the year.
Following a cabinet meeting in Dresden, Schuster expressed frustration about having to answer the question regarding extending controls every two weeks, preferring the six-month duration permitted by Article 25 of the Schengen Borders Code.
At the upcoming Conference of Interior Ministers, Schuster hinted at strict expectations from his counterparts towards Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD). He positioned the extension of controls as crucial for managing the influx of refugees and smuggling activities.
CDU politicians like Armin Schuster have consistently advocated for stricter borders, particularly with Poland and the Czech Republic, amidst growing concerns about migration and security.
