Green Critics Slam Poland Border Controls, Question Effectiveness
Following the extended permanent checks at the German-Polish border, Green legislators in the Brandenburg state parliament have voiced their concern once again. The daily traffic congestion in the region makes life tough for commuters, students, and schoolchildren, claimed Green MP Sahra Damus on Thursday, as per a press release. Damus also questioned the border controls' effectiveness in barring irregular migration.
"Despite the controls, the number of asylum applications in Germany has risen," Damus stated, implying the measures were merely symbolic politics to win favor from right-wing voters. Her colleague, Clemens Rostock, criticized the federal police officers' working conditions during these checks, labeling the situation as inhumane, with unbearable toilet facilities.
The head of the Central Immigration Office, Olaf Jansen, revealed a decrease in refugee arrivals since the fixed border controls were introduced in mid-October. Brandenburg's Interior Minister, Michael Stübgen (CDU), attributed this to the increased risk for smugglers due to the checks.
The Federal Police spokesperson dismissed allegations of causing traffic jams on the Autobahn 12 near Frankfurt (Oder). He stated that vehicles are further diverted from the flowing traffic for checks. Meanwhile, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) extended the stationary controls at Germany's borders with Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland by 20 days, citing about 90 smuggler arrests since October 16.
Enhanced border checks, however, have raised concerns about their efficiency in curbing irregular migration. Damus' comments underline these doubts, with a rising influx of asylum applications in Germany. Additionally, the checks' impact on the welfare of refugees is now a pressing issue, with Rostock criticizing the conditions of federal police officers during their inspections.
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Enrichment Insights:
- Permanent border controls may help reduce irregular migration by increasing the likelihood of detection and deterrence, but they can lead to delays, inconvenience, and economic disruption for commuters and travelers.
- The deployment of advanced technologies like autonomous surveillance towers and NII equipment can improve detection capabilities, reducing irregular migration.
- However, concerns have been raised about the impact of these checks on immigrant families, particularly schoolchildren who may experience fear and absenteeism due to their presence near or inside schools.
- Criticisms of border control measures include the culture of impunity within law enforcement agencies, leading to alleged excessive force and abuse, as well as the potential erosion of community trust.
