There will be stricter border controls in Germany to combat illegal migration. “The border with nine neighbouring countries will suddenly be closed,” says Germany correspondent of EW Guy Hoeks in Goedemorgen Nederland on NPO 1. The measure will come into effect from Monday 16 September for at least six months.
After the state elections in East Germany’s Thuringia, the right-wing populist Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) became the largest party for the first time. In Saxony, AfD came second. “AfD is also on course for victory in Brandenburg,” Hoeks said. These state elections will be held on September 22. “The government parties have lost.”
‘No 100 percent control’
“It’s not a 100 percent control,” says German politician of the liberal Free Democratic Party (FDP) Otto Fricke. “Once many migrants know that it’s no longer easy to get to Germany, some people won’t even try anymore.”
Austria previously indicated that it would not accept persons who are sent back by Germany. According to Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner, there is “no room for manoeuvre”. This further exacerbates geopolitical tensions.
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‘Not an efficient measure’
SP leader Jimmy Dijk believes that each member state should be able to decide for itself whether or not to take such drastic measures. “It is understandable that Germany makes this choice, but it is cross-border politics. That is why this is not the most efficient way.”
“As soon as you announce that you are going to implement border controls, that will not make illegal migration disappear,” Dijk predicts. “There will be all sorts of new routes devised by human traffickers and smugglers. That is what we need to focus on. This measure will certainly have consequences for international cooperation.”
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PVV politicians understanding
PVV leader Geert Wilders and fellow party member Marjolein Faber responded sympathetically to the German plans. “The outline agreement states that the PVV wants to investigate whether it is possible to introduce such measures in the Netherlands as well,” says WNL political reporter Tessa van Viegen. The only thing that still dampens Faber’s enthusiasm is the future of mutual trade. “Germany is an important export country for us.”
The border closures also cause problems for Dutch border residents. Van Viegen: “If you want to do your shopping across the border, it is difficult, but also for the transport sector. The waiting times can cause the extra costs to run into the millions.” However, it is still questionable what the checks will look like in practice. “They are not going to check every truck and car.”
Germany correspondent Hoeks warns of possible long delays on motorways and in public transport at border posts between Germany and neighbouring countries. “There will be more traffic jams and extra travel times.”
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Radical right gains ground in Germany after AfD election victory, Yeşilgöz (VVD) warns: ‘Worrying developments’
By: Rick Hartkamp
