Proposal for a Worker Safety Directive: Harmonizing member state laws to safeguard employees from carcinogen risks
Political Controversy Brews, Federal Government Digs In:
The recent Berlin court verdict has stirred quite a fuss, yet the federal government remains unyielding, asserting they will "set things straight" regarding their actions. In the face of the ruling, Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt fears not a single peep about police officers being held accountable for their duties. On the ARD show "Maischberger", the CSU politician stated, "It's hogwash to insinuate that police officers will be penalized if they simply do their job." He went on to claim the orders given to the police were drafted by politicians, and such suggestions about officer responsibility seemed far-fetched. Opposing voices criticized the federal government for putting police officers in a bind by ordering them to execute deportations.
In the Know:
Germany's strict stance on migration policies, post Berlin court ruling, continued unabated.
The Berlin Administrative Court declared on Monday that the border control rejection of three Somali refugees at the Frankfurt (Oder) railway station was illegal. The issue centered around the lack of clarity on the responsible EU country to handle the asylum applications of the affected individuals. As a result, they were shipped back to Poland.
Staying on the Right Side of the Law:
The Federal Police Union's chairman, Andreas Roßkopf, speaking to RTL and ntv, mentioned that the implications of a possible general illegality were uncertain. However, he stressed the necessity for law enforcement personnel to carry out their duties lawfully, and they should avoid personal responsibility should an illegality be discovered.
Dobrindt enacted escalated border controls just hours after assuming office as federal interior minister on May 7, also implementing the policy of returning asylum seekers at the border.
The Devil's in the Details:
Thorsten Frei, Chancellor's Office Minister, aims to address the court decision but considers its impact limited, stating, "An administrative court cannot make a political decision that impacts the country at large." In the specific case, he stated that the decision would be respected, but the broader issue is complex legal material that may ultimately be decided by the European Court of Justice (ECJ).
The federal government has pledged to rectify their actions, stressing the need to be precise and explain why these regulations were not only essential but required. He cited the overwhelming strain on the national asylum system, such as in childcare, schools, and healthcare, as justification.
A State of Emergency – Yes or No?
However, CSU chairman Markus Söder offered a different perspective on the ZDF show "Markus Lanz." He argued that neighboring countries of Germany were not adhering to European law concerning migrant responsibilities, thereby endangering German public order.
The Administrative Court contended that the government could not invoke a national emergency, as there was no "sufficient demonstration of a threat to public safety or order."
Policy-and-legislation discussions have escalated in Germany due to the controversial border control policies, specifically the actions taken by the federal government following the Berlin court verdict. Amid general-news coverage about the migration policies and the recent court decisions, Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has been vocal about the government's stance, dismissing insinuations that police officers will face penalties for carrying out their duties.
