Germany extends border controls amid migration crisis

Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced a six-month extension of border controls at all of Germany's external borders to combat irregular migration ahead of the February 23 elections. He emphasized that the measures have successfully reduced asylum applications by a third and resulted in 47,000 rejections and the arrest of 1,900 smugglers since their implementation in September 2024. The decision has sparked debate, with opposition leader Friedrich Merz advocating for permanent border controls, arguing that EU regulations are ineffective. Scholz countered that Merz's approach would conflict with German and EU law. The ongoing migration issue has gained prominence following recent attacks attributed to migrants, putting pressure on the ruling Social Democrats, who are currently trailing in polls behind the conservative CDU/CSU. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser expressed a willingness to reach a consensus on migration policies with the opposition post-election.