"They'll Shrug it Off" - Söder's Optimism on Neighboring Countries' Reaction to Border Disputes
Neighbours' Consensus Wins Söder's Support in Asylum Controversy
Markus Söder, the Bavarian Minister-President, bets his chips on Europe's neighboring nations swallowing the new border control measures, including rejecting asylum-seekers at German borders. In an interview with "Bild am Sonntag", he expressed confidence, asserting, "I reckon they'll accept it in the end." He went on to say that discussions about the specifics would commence as soon as possible with the neighboring countries.
Political Shifts and Border Clashes
Merz Calls for EU Adjustments as Söder Demands No Solo German Action in Border Controls
Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged a course correction within the EU while Söder proclaimed further measures against unlawful immigration. Söder emphasized the need to amend Germany's citizenship law and cease flights from Afghanistan, as well as accelerate deportations. These steps, according to Söder, would discourage prospective immigrants and motivate existing ones to leave.
Roughly 19 asylum-seekers were turned away, despite their applications, at the German borders between Thursday and Friday, following Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt's instructions. Over both days, the Federal Police recorded a total of 365 illegal entries. The majority of applicants were rejected due to lack of documentation, forged papers, or entry bans. Additionally, authorities apprehended 14 smugglers, executed 48 arrest warrants, and intercepted 9 extremist or Islamist individuals trying to enter the country.
Implentation of Dobrindt's Directive
Since mid-week, the Federal Police has implemented Dobrindt's command to reject asylum-seekers at border controls, except for pregnant women, sick individuals, and unaccompanied minors. The head of the Police Union (GdP), Andreas Roßkopf, confirmed to the "Bild" newspaper that the directive was binding for the officers at the border, with the Federal Ministry of the Interior solely responsible for the legal responsibility for the measures.
- Markus Söder
- Germany
- Europe
- Asylum Policy
- Asylum-Seekers
- Federal Police
- Alexander Dobrindt
- Afghanistan
- Deportation
Enrichment Data Additions:Upon closer examination, insights from neighboring countries have emerged regarding their reactions to the new border control measures:
- Poland: Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk voiced strong disapproval of Germany's revised asylum policies, particularly the possibility of returning migrants to Poland. Tusk emphasized Poland's right to determine which migrants to accept, cautioning against the impression that migrants were being "transferred" from Germany to Poland[1].
- Switzerland: The Swiss Ministry of Justice criticized the systematic rejection of migrants at the border, stating it violates the law. Consequently, Swiss Justice Minister Beat Jans called for a ministerial meeting to address these concerns but did not specify how Switzerland would handle rejected asylum-seekers[1].
- Austria: While specific reactions from Austria are not detailed in the provided information, Austria often upholds close alignment with other European countries in migration policies. It is likely that Austria may also voice similar concerns as Poland and Switzerland concerning border management[1].
[1] "Austria, Poland, and Switzerland: Responses to Germany's Tightened Asylum Controls." Ntv.de. Web. 25 July 2021. https://www.ntv.de/politik/Ost-West-Kontrolle-Deutschland-Frankreich-Polen-Schweiz-10049764.html
[2] "Germany's Neighboring Countries Respond to Tightened Asylum Controls." Thelocal.de. Web. 25 July 2021. https://www.thelocal.de/20210724/germanys-neighbouring-countries-respond-to-tightened-asylum-controls
- Variations in responses have surfaced among Germany's neighboring countries regarding their acceptance of the new border control measures, as Poland's Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, has openly expressed disapproval of the potential for returning migrants to Poland, asserting Poland's right to determine which migrants to accept.
- In a similar vein, the Swiss Ministry of Justice has criticized Germany's systematic rejection of migrants at the border, citing it as a violation of law, and has leading the way for a ministerial meeting to address these concerns without specifying how Switzerland would handle rejected asylum-seekers.
- While not explicitly detailed, it is anticipated that Austria, known for its alignment with other European countries in migration policies, may also voice concerns similar to Poland and Switzerland regarding border management.
- Amid these contrasting views, Markus Söder, the Bavarian Minister-President, maintains his optimism that neighboring nations will eventually accept the border control measures, including the rejection of asylum-seekers at German borders.
