Germany's Regret: The Open Borders Policy

How Germany's Open Borders Policy Backfired

In 2015, as war raged in Syria and thousands of refugees sought shelter in Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel famously declared, "We can do this." Locals across the country welcomed the newcomers with open arms, but five years later, Germany is regretting its open borders policy.

The Rise of Anti-Immigration Sentiment

With the German economy struggling and the far-right party Alternative for Germany gaining popularity, the sentiment towards immigration has drastically changed. Germany's biggest-selling newspaper, Bild, recently published a controversial manifesto outlining "house rules" for immigrants, sparking a heated debate.

The Controversial Manifesto

Bild's manifesto, titled "Germany, we have a problem!," includes 50 points that outline expectations for immigrants living in Germany. Some of the points touch on issues such as religious freedom, social services, and cultural norms.

Anti-Semitism and Rising Hate Crimes

Germany, like many countries, has seen a surge in anti-Semitic incidents in recent years. The manifesto addresses this issue, stating that Germany must never tolerate anti-Semitism, tyranny, or racism. The rise in hate crimes, including attacks on synagogues and pro-Palestinian riots, has fueled the debate surrounding immigration.

The Reaction and Changing Public Opinion

Bild's manifesto received mixed reactions, with some praising the newspaper for addressing important issues, while others criticized it for making racist insinuations. However, public opinion in Germany is shifting, with an increasing number of people supporting stricter immigration policies. A recent poll showed that 48% of Germans believe the country should stop accepting refugees altogether.

Political Impact and Action

The rise in anti-immigration sentiment has had political repercussions. The far-right party Alternative for Germany is polling at a record 21%, surpassing the center-left Social Democratic Party. In response, Chancellor Olaf Scholz has reinstated border checks and promised to examine policies similar to the UK's Rwanda agreement. The German Green Party, part of Scholz's coalition, has also called for stricter measures on illegal asylum seekers.

Germany's Awakening

Retired German constitutional court judge Hans-Jürgen Papier believes that the German political class has finally woken up to the migration problem. He argues that politicians have suppressed the issue for too long, and now, under pressure from extremist parties and the influx of migrants, they are forced to confront the challenges head-on.

The Road Ahead

Germany finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with the consequences of its open borders policy. As the country navigates the changing political landscape and addresses the concerns of its citizens, the future of immigration in Germany remains uncertain.