Germany, long hailed as a beacon of welcome for migrants, has undergone a notable shift in its migration policy,. The new poilcy has departed from the ‘welcoming measures’ synonymous with the ‘Merkel era’. Euronews correspondent Monica Pinna ventures to Berlin to unravel the nuances of this transformation and its underlying motivations.
With over three million refugees and asylum seekers calling Germany home, the nation stands as a pivotal destination for migrants in Europe. However, a surge in asylum applications, soaring by over 50 percent in the past year alone, has thrust the migrant reception system into crisis mode. Amidst growing consensus, the far-right voices critique the government’s handling of the influx. They accused it of faltering in managing the surge in arrivals.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz responds to pressure by implementing tightened immigration measures, symbolized by the closure of Tegel-Berlin refugee center following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Despite housing over 5,000 refugees, authorities halt further expansion due to resource constraints.
As asylum applications soar to unprecedented level, integration becomes a significant challenge, fueling anti-immigration sentiments. Historic gains by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party indicate a major shift in public discourse. Increased border checks and expected cuts to asylum benefits reflect the government’s efforts to discourage more arrivals.
Germany faces growing resistance to current migration policies as over a million citizens rally against the far-right agenda in January. Revelations of collusion between AfD members and neo-Nazis amplify public outcry, impacting local elections and hinting at a shift in migration policy discourse.
Despite setbacks, parties within Scholz’s traffic-light coalition grapple with migration policy management complexities. Striking a delicate balance between immigration management and societal cohesion proves challenging. As Germany navigates these turbulent waters, its migration policy evolution shapes political landscape.