"Neighbors Will Understand" - Söder on Asylum Dispute
Neighbours' consensus sought by Söder in asylum controversy
Based on the recent actions of Interior Minister Dobrindt, German border patrols have started refusing asylum seekers. Söder, the Minister-President of Bavaria, expresses confidence that neighboring European countries will eventually accept this new approach. In a conversation with "Bild am Sonntag," he said, "I believe that our European neighbors will understand it in the end." He also mentioned plans to discuss the details with partners immediately.
Political Shift Merz: "No Solo German Action" Söder voiced additional measures against unlawful immigration. He explained, "This is a strong beginning, but there's more to come. In addition to changing the citizenship law, flights from Afghanistan will be halted. Deportations will be bolstered through expulsion and expansion of safe countries of origin," said Söder. This initiative aims to discourage potential asylum seekers from coming to Germany and encourage current ones to return.
365 Illegal Entries in Two Days
According to "Bild am Sonntag," around 19 refugees were turned away despite asylum applications following Dobrindt's decision. Over two days, the Federal Police recorded a total of 365 illegal entries, with 286 migrants denied entry. The primary reasons for refusal were lack of visas/documents, forged documents, or entry bans. Furthermore, 14 smugglers were arrested, 48 arrest warrants were executed, and nine individuals from extremist or Islamic circles were apprehended at the border.
Tightened Controls Refusing Asylum Seekers at Borders Since mid-week, the Federal Police has implemented Dobrindt's order to refuse asylum seekers at border controls. According to the Police Union (GdP) head, Andreas Roßkopf, "Our officers will refuse every asylum and protection seeker, except pregnant women, the sick, and unaccompanied minors." This order binds officials at the border, and the legal responsibility for these measures rests entirely with the Federal Ministry of the Interior.
[Reference]: ntv.de, mau/rts
While the policies surrounding border control and asylum seekers in Germany primarily stem from the new German government, Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder plays a significant role within this broader shift[2]. Söder's recent statements focus on presenting these measures as a return to prior practices rather than outlining new specifics[2]. This adjustment seemingly aligns with the new coalition government positions, including Söder's leadership in Bavaria and policies influenced by the CDU/CSU coalition with the SPD[4].
- The Bavarian Minister-President, Markus Söder, expects that European neighbors will ultimately comprehend and cooperate with Germany's new approach to asylum seekers based on recent border control changes.
- Söder has voiced support for stricter measures against illegal immigration, including halting flights from Afghanistan and intensifying deportations.
- The Federal Police recorded 365 illegal entries within two days, with 286 migrants denied entry due to lacking visas/documents, forged documents, or entry bans.
- Border officials, under the guidance of the Federal Ministry of the Interior, have been enforcing a policy of refusing asylum seekers at border controls, except for pregnant women, the sick, and unaccompanied minors, since mid-week.
