Germany has tightened its border controls, introducing new measures to limit unauthorized immigration and shifting away from Angela Merkel’s open-door policy.
Germany has taken a significant step towards tightening its immigration controls, with the government expanding border patrols as part of a new tougher policy. The move is part of a broader effort by the conservative Christian Social Union (CSU) to crack down on unauthorized immigration.
The Christian Social Union (CSU) is a center-right to right-wing political party in Germany.
Founded in 1946, the CSU is based primarily in Bavaria and has traditionally been conservative on social issues.
The party's platform emphasizes regional autonomy, economic growth, and traditional values.
With a strong focus on Catholicism, the CSU has historically maintained close ties with the Catholic Church in Germany.
The party has held significant power in Bavarian politics, with its leader often serving as Minister-President of Bavaria.
An additional 3,000 federal police officers have been assigned to duty at the German border, bringing the total number up from 11,000 to 14,000. This increased presence is seen as a key factor in the government’s efforts to stop people smuggling and unauthorized immigration.
The government has also introduced new technologies to support its border control efforts, including drones, thermal imaging cameras, and helicopters. These measures are designed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of border checks.
The new policy marks a significant shift away from the open-door approach implemented by former Chancellor Angela Merkel during her time in office. In 2015 and 2016, Merkel’s government allowed hundreds of thousands of refugees from Syria, Afghanistan, and other African countries into the country.
However, the new government is committed to limiting the number of refugees to 100,000 people per year. This represents a significant reduction on the numbers seen in previous years, with 229,751 people applying for asylum in Germany last year – significantly fewer than in 2015 when around 1 million people came to Germany.
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), there are over 80 million forcibly displaced people worldwide.
This number has been steadily increasing due to conflicts, persecution, and natural disasters.
The majority of refugees come from countries such as Syria, Afghanistan, and South Sudan.
Most refugees flee their homes in search of safety and security, often facing significant challenges along the way.
In recent years, many countries have implemented policies aimed at addressing the refugee crisis, including resettlement programs and humanitarian aid.
The new policy has not gone down well everywhere, with some EU neighbors expressing concerns about the impact on refugee resettlement. Polish President Donald Tusk told Chancellor Friedrich Merz that Poland would not take in any refugees from Germany, describing the issue as a problem for the AfD party.
Merz responded by emphasizing the need to work together with European partners to develop a comprehensive immigration and asylum policy. However, it remains to be seen whether this approach will be successful in addressing the complexities of refugee resettlement in the EU.
