Information
German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser announced an extension of passport controls along Germany’s land borders to curb irregular migration and address security concerns related to Islamist terror groups and cross-border criminal organizations. These measures, effective for six months starting next Monday, aim to strengthen internal security by limiting unauthorized entries into the country. Faeser has already informed the European Commission about the decision, which affects Germany’s more than 3,700 kilometres of shared borders with neighbouring countries, all part of the Schengen Zone, where border controls are typically absent. These new controls build upon existing measures imposed on borders with Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Switzerland, which have been repeatedly extended.
This decision comes at a time of heightened debate about immigration in Germany following a deadly attack in Solingen involving a Syrian suspect who had evaded deportation. The issue of migration has become increasingly contentious, especially as Germany’s coalition government consults with the conservative opposition to address public concerns. Recent political developments, including the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party’s electoral success in Thuringia and Saxony, have intensified the focus on migration. With Faeser’s Social Democrats facing an upcoming state election in Brandenburg, the government appears to be responding to both security threats and growing political pressure on migration.
Source: DW, Reuters, dpa
So what
The political situation surrounding immigration appears to have significantly changed for Germany in recent months. It seems likely that to avoid further gains for the AFD (Germany’s far-right political party), their more centrist parties are now taking stronger stances on immigration. This appears to be a growing sentiment throughout Europe as people struggle with inflation.
Follow us to join the intelligence community!