Mayor Slams Enhanced Border Controls at Kehl: A Symbol of Regression, Says Local Politician
Mayor of Kehler Rathouse Speaks Out Against Tightened Border Regulations - Criticises Enhanced Border Inspections: A Discussion by Kehler
Kehl's Mayor, Wolfram Britz, has slammed the strengthened border controls between the city and French neighbor Strasbourg, likening the situation to stepping back into the past. "It's unjustifiable to impact the lives of thousands of border commuters, students, and families with these controls," the independent local politician roared.
In a bold move, Britz announced plans to pen letters to the newly-appointed Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) and Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU), voicing his concerns over the restrictive measures.
Dobrindt's announcement of tightened border rules had set the stage for stepped-up inspections in several federal states, following his inauguration. He declared that asylum seekers could potentially be denied entry at the border in the future, although exceptions would be made for vulnerable groups including pregnant women, children, and others.
An enduring traffic headache on the Europa Bridge
Reinforced security presence was also observed on the Kehl's Europa Bridge, as confirmed by a spokesperson for the Federal Police Inspectorate Offenburg to the German Press Agency. Targeted checks were undertaken to minimize the impact on traffic. Since September 2024, such targeted inspections have been ongoing, yet, from Kehl's perspective, they had been comparatively less intrusive in the past.
On this often congested traffic artery between eastern France and Germany, numerous vehicles lined up on Thursday afternoon, resulting in dense traffic towards Kehl. Many locals from Alsace made the journey to Baden-Württemberg for shopping, as it was a national holiday in France. Traditionally, the 8th of May is observed to mark the close of the war.
Britz Baffled by Tram Halts
Britz publicly shared concerns about the prolonged holds on trams arriving from Strasbourg during lunchtime. The tram line traverses the Rhine, linking the two cities. "It's incomprehensible that German controls are affecting the flow of traffic right through the European city of Strasbourg," Britz stated, adding that it was bewildering that such a decision was made on the 80th anniversary of the war's end.
- Strasbourg
- Border Control
- Friedrich Merz
- CDU
- CSU
- France
- Alexander Dobrindt
- Border Congestion
- Ortenau District
- Europa Bridge
Insights:1. Controversial Measures: The strengthening of border controls between Strasbourg and Kehl has ignited backlash and criticism among residents of the border towns, particularly those who regularly cross borders for work, school, and shopping.2. Bridging Divides: The new policies are disrupting border traffic, affecting commuters and families in both countries. The issue seems to have gained significant attention, as it involves a critical transportation artery, the Europa Bridge.3. Strasbourg in the Spotlight: The European city of Strasbourg is in the limelight, with critics questioning the tact and timing of the heightened security measures, considering the 80th anniversary of the war's end.
- Mayor Britz of Kehl has expressed frustration over the border controls between Strasbourg and Kehl, deeming the strengthened checks a symbol of regression.
- In a bid to voice his concerns, Britz has announced plans to write to Friedrich Merz, the new Chancellor, and Alexander Dobrindt, the Federal Interior Minister, both from the CDU, about the impact of the restrictive measures.
- The tightened border rules prompted increased inspections in various federal states, with Dobrindt revealing asylum seekers could potentially be denied entry in the future, though exceptions would be made for vulnerable groups.
- On the Europa Bridge, targeted checks have led to increased traffic congestion, with numerous vehicles waiting in lines on Thursday afternoon, as many locals from Alsace made their way to Baden-Württemberg for shopping on the national holiday in France.
- Britz has also raised concerns about the prolonged halts on trams arriving from Strasbourg during lunchtime, questioning why German controls would affect the flow of traffic in the European city of Strasbourg, especially on the 80th anniversary of the war's end.
