German MPs vote in favor of tightening border controls
(MENAFN) The German Bundestag has voted in favor of implementing stricter border controls, following rising immigration and security issues. The motion calls for enhanced checks at land borders, though critics argue it may violate EU laws related to the Schengen agreement, which ensures free movement within the EU. The vote came after a fatal knife attack in Bavaria, where an Afghan asylum-seeker who had been denied residency killed two people, including a toddler, and injured several others. This incident led opposition leader Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) to push for stronger border enforcement measures, including more patrols and random identity checks.
The motion, which passed with 348 votes to 345, is nonbinding but received notable support from the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD). It calls for indefinite border controls and detainment of individuals without valid residency. This move is part of a broader trend in Europe, with countries like Austria, Denmark, and France reintroducing similar measures due to security concerns. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban praised Germany’s decision, welcoming it as a step in line with his country’s policies. However, the move has sparked protests, particularly in Berlin, with critics such as Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock warning it could damage EU unity and violate Schengen principles. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser also cautioned that Germany might face legal challenges from Brussels.
This vote occurs ahead of Germany’s parliamentary elections on February 23, following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition government. The CDU currently leads in the polls, with the AfD in second place. Germany remains a primary destination for irregular migrants, receiving a significant share of asylum applications in the EU. At the same time, the country has seen an uptick in violent crime, with foreigners disproportionately involved, according to recent police data from Bavaria. Public opinion surveys show that immigration is a top concern for many Germans.
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