Germany Extends Special Border Controls for Another Six Months

berlin - The German government has extended the special border controls to prevent illegal immigration for another six months.

Germany Extends Special Border Controls

The German government has decided to extend the special border controls aimed at curbing illegal immigration for another six months. This controversial measure goes against the principles of free movement within the Schengen Zone.

According to the Social Democratic Chancellor Olaf Scholz, these controls effectively reduce illegal immigration. The controls were initially implemented in response to the refugee influx from Syria in 2015, leading to additional border checks along the Austrian border. Subsequently, border controls were also introduced along the borders with Poland, Czech Republic, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.

Illegal immigration has become one of the key issues in the German parliamentary elections scheduled for February 23. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), known for its anti-illegal immigration stance, is projected to make significant gains and potentially become the second-largest party in Germany. The leading party is expected to remain the Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU), which was in power with Chancellor Angela Merkel at the helm during the onset of the refugee crisis a decade ago. Under the leadership of Friedrich Merz, the party is now taking a firm stance against illegal migration.