"They'll Give In" - Söder on Neighbors Over Asylum Dispute
Neighbourhood consensus favoured by Söder in the asylum disagreement case
Markus Söder, Bavarian Minister-President, is confident that Germany's neighboring countries will roll with the punches regarding the new border control measures. "I'm certain as a beer in Munich that our European neighbors will eventually go along with it," Söder told "Bild am Sonntag." He hinted at upcoming discussions with partners to iron out the finer details.
Politicking in Germany: Merz Calls for EU Course Correction
Amid the Chancellor's call for an EU correction, Merz stated, "No German solo action" on border controls. Söder announced bold measures against illegal immigration. These plans include amendments to the citizenship law, ceasing flights from Afghanistan, and fortifying deportations through the expansion of safe countries of origin. Such moves aim to discourage immigration and motivate existing migrants to hit the road.
Border Patrol: 365 Illegal Entries Within Two Days
According to a report in "Bild am Sonntag," 19 asylum seekers were sent back home despite pleas for asylum on Thursday and Friday, following Dombrindt's instruction to German border guards. During that period, the Federal Police recorded 365 illegal entries. A total of 286 migrants were turned away due to lack of visas, forged documents, or entry bans, with 14 smugglers apprehended, 48 arrest warrants executed, and 9 individuals from extremist or Islamist factions caught upon entry.
Tightened Controls: First Asylum Seekers Turned Back
Since mid-week, the Federal Police has taken Dobrindt's orders to apply turnbacks to asylum seekers at border controls. The Police Union (GdP) head, Andreas Roßkopf, confirmed, "Our colleagues will turn back every asylum and protection seeker, except pregnant women, the sick, and unaccompanied minors." The instructions given to border guards are binding. Legal responsibility for these measures rests solely with the Federal Ministry of Interior.
- Markus Söder
- Germany
- Europe
- Asylum policy
- Asylum seekers
- Federal Police
- Alexander Dobrindt
- Afghanistan
- Deportation
Background Data:
The evolving state of Germany's asylum policies, with a specific focus on border control measures, has been at the forefront of recent developments. However, no specific information about Söder's role in these announcements is readily available. Here's a brief summary of the key takeaways:
- New Government and Border Policy:
- The advent of Germany's new government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, has seen a shift towards stricter border controls, including refusals for the majority of undocumented asylum seekers at the border, a decision by the new Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt.
- While this policy change is seen as more rhetorical than substance-driven, aiming to assuage center-right voters worried about immigration, it does not signal a drastic shift from existing practices.
- Border Controls and Neighboring Countries:
- Germany has been implementing varying levels of border controls for some time, as demonstrated by the October 2023 controls at Poland, the Czech Republic, and Austria's borders.
- There is currently no available information Regarding responses from neighboring countries to these newly announced measures.
- Legal and Court Developments:
- Germany's top court has permitted the deportation of able-bodied migrants back to Greece, reasoning that basic survival needs are accessible in Greece. This ruling holds implications for asylum policy and rights.
- Asylum Application Decisions:
- In 2024, more than half of Germany's asylum applications were either rejected or completed, with only about 12.5% of applicants receiving refugee status.
- Markus Söder, Bavarian Minister-President, expressed confidence that European neighbors will comply with Germany's new border control measures, suggesting upcoming discussions to finalize details.
- Alexander Dobrindt, the new Interior Minister, ordered the Federal Police to turn back asylum seekers at border controls, and the Police Union confirmed the instructions would be binding for officers.
- The Bavarian Minister-President's announcements revolve around stricter asylum policies, incorporating amendments to the citizenship law, ceasing flights from Afghanistan, and reinforcing deportations through the expansion of safe countries of origin.
- In light of tighter border controls, 19 asylum seekers were returned to their home countries despite pleas for asylum, and the Federal Police recorded 365 illegal entries with associated apprehensions and arrests.
