Latest news with #Polish-German
Local Germany
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Local Germany
How long can Germany keep its tighter border controls in place?
Germany has further increased the police presence at its land borders since the new government stepped into power, following campaign promises by Friedrich Merz and his conservative CDU/CSU alliance to crack down on the number of asylum seekers entering the country. But the police union (GdP) has warned that they only have the resources to maintain the increased patrols for a few weeks, and there are concerns that Germany's new tactics for dealing with migration could disrupt Europe's hard-fought asylum reforms. "One thing is clear: the police can only maintain intensive controls for a few more weeks," GdP chairman Andreas Roßkopf told the Funke media group. He added that over 1,000 riot police had been deployed at the borders for days, but that doing so had meant that training had to be paused and attempts to reduce overtime had to be lifted. The police chairman's comment follows reporting by Der Spiegel at the beginning of May. The report cited a police memo expressing doubts about the capacity for maintaining border controls at the level ordered by Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU). Advertisement Roßkopf said the police union stands behind the efforts of politicians to "reduce irregular migration to Germany, including with border controls by the federal police". Just a few hours after taking office, Dobrindt ordered police to step up controls at the German border and reject the majority of new asylum seekers, with the exception of some vulnerable minorities such as children and pregnant woman. READ ALSO: New border checks stir old memories on Polish-German border How successful have the added patrols been? Following the Interior Ministry's order, an additional 3,000 federal police officers were reportedly assigned to border zones, bringing the total number of border officials up to 14,000. According to the minister, the number of rejections at Germany's borders rose by almost half within a week. He cited 739 attempts to enter the country that had been blocked - an increase of 45 percent compared to the previous week. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt delivers a statement as he visits the border control station Kiefersfelden. Photo: Michaela Stache / AFP However, looking at the number of incoming asylum applications, Der Spiegel reported that the added controls have not had a significant effect. Europe needs coordination on migration policy Not everyone in Germany's new black-red coalition government agrees that policing the borders more intensely is a viable way to tackle migration. Lars Castellucci, the interior expert for the SPD party, suggests that these tactics could undermine European cooperation on migration. "With tightened border controls and uncoordinated rejections of asylum seekers, we are running the risk that our European neighbors will abandon the common course of asylum reform," Castellucci told the Funke newspapers. He added that in migration efforts, Germany can "only be successful together with our neighbours". Advertisement Isn't the Schengen zone supposed to be border-free? Europe's Schengen area was designed to be free of internal borders, ideally allowing EU citizens and residents freedom of movement between different nations without border checks. But the Schengen Borders Code does allow member states to reintroduce border controls temporarily in the event of serious threats to public policy or security. The controls are supposed to be used only as a last resort and for a limited time. READ ALSO: Can Germany turn back asylum seekers at Austria's border? Controls at Germany's borders were brought in by the previous traffic-light coalition and extended to each of the country's nine land borders in autumn last year. At the time, the government cited concerns about irregular migration, extremism and cross-border crime. The more recent expansion of controls, as well as Dobrindt's orders to reject asylum seekers at the border, has been received somewhat sceptically. Austria's Ministry of the Interior, for example, has pushed back firmly and some European law experts have questioned the legality of the move.
Euronews
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Euronews
Judo Grand Slam 2025: Golden Finale in Astana
On the third and final day of the 2025 Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam the heavyweights stepped up, following 2 days of nonstop action and breathtaking ippons, and they didn't disappoint here in Astana. At -90kg six-time grand slam winner Mikhail IGOLNIKOV was up against newcomer Egor MALKIN. A well-timed change of direction and a 5 second hold down secured victory for IGOLNIKOV. Masdar CEO Mr Mohamed Jamil AL RAMAHI was on hand to award the medals. In -78kg Minju KIM of Korea met Mao IZUMI in a tense final. Only a single yuko score would decide the winner, with KIM landing a seo-toshi to give her her first grand slam gold. She was awarded her medals by IJF Education & Coaching Director Mr Mohammed MERIDJA. At -100kg top seed Dota ARAI of Japan was up against Daniel EICH of Switzerland in the fight for first place. In an exhilarating set of exchanges ARAI went ahead scoring waza-ari, to which Eich quickly responded. It was a decisive uchi-mata from Arai that earned him the gold. An incredible display of judo talent and sportsmanship. He was awarded his medal by Sport Qory Director Mr Yerlan AUGANBAYEV. At +78kg Hyeonji LEE of Korea met Julia TOLOFUA of France. It was a closely fought contest with LEE scoring a yuko to take her first-grand slam gold. The medals were awarded by IJF Sport Director Mr Michael TAMURA. In the +100kg Hyoga OTA of Japan made it to his 7th grand slam final. He was competing against home favourite Yerassyl KAZHYBAYEV. OTA silenced the home crowd with a perfectly executed Uchi-mata. Gold for Japan. The medals were awarded by Kazakhstan Minister of Tourism and Sports Mr Yerbol MYRZABOSSYNOV. On this the last day of competition, the Kazakh team had plenty to celebrate with bronze medals for Marat BAIKAMUROV and Bakzhan BAITAS in the -100kg category. It's been a tournament filled with high-impact judo and unforgettable moments. The world tour will return in one months time for the 2025 world judo championships. We'll see you in Budapest. An anti-immigration protest was held in Poland this weekend, with far-right political groups attending the demonstration in Warsaw. The participants of the march oppose the creation of integration and assistance centres for immigrants in Poland, and a petition to restore control over the Polish-German border was handed over to Prime Minister's Office. The protest was organised by Robert Bakiewicz, the leader of the Independence March Association. "We are marching to fight for a free, independent, sovereign Poland without a massive immigration, without imposing us here migrants who are culturally alien, without imposing us islam, without sharia zones, without rapes on women, without attacks in public schools on our children," he said. In the early months of 2022, as Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, millions of Ukrainians — mostly women and children — fled to Poland, where they were met with an extraordinary outpouring of sympathy. Ukrainian flags appeared in windows. Polish volunteers rushed to the border with food, diapers, SIM cards. Some opened their homes to complete strangers. In the face of calamity, Poland became not just a logistical lifeline for Ukraine, but a paragon of human solidarity. Three years later, Poland remains one of Ukraine's staunchest allies — a hub for Western arms deliveries and a vocal defender of Kyiv's interests. But at home, the tone toward Ukrainians has shifted. Nearly a million Ukrainian refugees remain in Poland, with roughly 2 million Ukrainian citizens overall in the nation of 38 million people. Many of them arrived before the war as economic migrants. As Poland heads into a presidential election on 18 May, with a second round expected 1 June, the growing fatigue with helping Ukrainians has become so noticeable that some of the candidates have judged that they can win more votes by vowing less help for Ukrainians.
Euronews
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
Anti-immigration protesters gather in Poland ahead of elections
An anti-immigration protest was held in Poland this weekend, with far-right political groups attending the demonstration in Warsaw. The participants of the march oppose the creation of integration and assistance centres for immigrants in Poland, and a petition to restore control over the Polish-German border was handed over to Prime Minister's Office. The protest was organised by Robert Bakiewicz, the leader of the Independence March Association. "We are marching to fight for a free, independent, sovereign Poland without a massive immigration, without imposing us here migrants who are culturally alien, without imposing us islam, without sharia zones, without rapes on women, without attacks in public schools on our children," he said. In the early months of 2022, as Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, millions of Ukrainians — mostly women and children — fled to Poland, where they were met with an extraordinary outpouring of sympathy. Ukrainian flags appeared in windows. Polish volunteers rushed to the border with food, diapers, SIM cards. Some opened their homes to complete strangers. In the face of calamity, Poland became not just a logistical lifeline for Ukraine, but a paragon of human solidarity. Three years later, Poland remains one of Ukraine's staunchest allies — a hub for Western arms deliveries and a vocal defender of Kyiv's interests. But at home, the tone toward Ukrainians has shifted. Nearly a million Ukrainian refugees remain in Poland, with roughly 2 million Ukrainian citizens overall in the nation of 38 million people. Many of them arrived before the war as economic migrants. As Poland heads into a presidential election on 18 May, with a second round expected 1 June, the growing fatigue with helping Ukrainians has become so noticeable that some of the candidates have judged that they can win more votes by vowing less help for Ukrainians. Leo XIV celebrated the Regina Coeli prayer in St Peter's Square for the first time on Sunday in front of the faithful. There were an estimated 150,000 people in the square, with heavy security measures in place since the morning. The Pontiff debuted from the central Loggia of the Basilica with a "Good Sunday" and then began the prayer amidst the applause of the faithful. Judging by the attendance and applause, the affection of the faithful for Pope Leo XIV seems to grow day by day. The pope spoke, often interrupted by the choruses of the faithful. "Dear brothers and sisters, Happy Sunday. I consider it a gift from God that the first Sunday of my service is that of the Good Shepherd, the fourth of Easter time." Pope Leo XIV then went on to express the joy of "praying with you and with all God's people for vocations, especially those to the priesthood. The Church needs them and it is important that young people find welcome and encouragement in our communities on their vocational journey." He then echoed Pope Francis' invitation to welcome and accompany young people. "To young people I say: do not be afraid, accept the invitation of Christ our Lord." Pope Leo XIV then moved on to the Latin prayer and imparted the blessing. "The immense tragedy of the Second World War claimed 60 million victims. As Pope Francis did, I address the powerful of the world: 'Never again war'," he said from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica. "I carry in my heart the suffering of the beloved Ukrainian people. Let everything possible be done to reach an authentic, just and lasting peace as soon as possible. May the prisoners be freed and may the children return to their families". After Ukraine, the Pope also had words for Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian relief for the civilian population and for all hostages to be freed. There was also a mention of the truce between India and Pakistan and then the question: "But how many other conflicts are there in the world?" "I entrust this heartfelt appeal to the Queen of Peace so that she may present it to the Lord to grant us the miracle of peace," he continued. The pontiff finished his speech in about a quarter of an hour, greeting "with affection all of you, Romans and pilgrims from various countries." He then wished a "happy feast to all mothers" on this second Sunday in May dedicated to them.
New York Times
24-02-2025
- Politics
- New York Times
‘The Left Lives': How TikTok Helped Liberals Surprise in Germany
Her fans call her Heidi. She is 36 years old. She talks a mile a minute. She has a tattoo of the Polish-German revolutionary Rosa Luxemburg on her left arm and a million followers across TikTok and Instagram. She was relatively unknown in German politics until January, but as of Sunday, she's a political force. Heidi Reichinnek is the woman who led the surprise story of Germany's parliamentary elections on Sunday: an almost overnight resurgence of Die Linke, which translates as 'The Left.' A month ago, Die Linke looked likely to miss the 5 percent voting cutoff needed for parties to earn seats in Germany's Parliament, the Bundestag. On Sunday, it won nearly 9 percent of the vote and 64 seats in the Bundestag. 'It was one of only five parties to win multiple seats in the new Parliament, joining the Christian Democrats, the Social Democrats, the hard-right Alternative for Germany and the Green Party. It was a remarkable comeback, powered by young voters, high prices, a backlash against conservative politicians, and a social-media-forward message that mixed celebration and defiance. At a time when German politicians are moving to the right on issues like immigration, and when the Alternative for Germany, or AfD, doubled its vote share from four years ago, Ms. Reichinnek, the party's co-leader in the Bundestag, and Die Linke succeeded by channeling outrage from liberal, young voters. They pitched themselves as an aggressive check on a more conservative government, which will almost certainly be led by Friedrich Merz, a businessman who has led the Christian Democrats to take a harsher line on border security and migrants. Mr. Merz's ascent, and his decisions in the middle of a campaign that his party led from the start, appear to have helped Ms. Reichinnek. In January, after a deadly knife attack by an immigrant in Bavaria, Mr. Merz pushed the Parliament to vote on a set of migration restrictions that could only pass with votes from the AfD — breaking decades of prohibition in German politics against partnering with parties deemed extreme. Many analysts trace Die Linke's surge to Ms. Reichinnek's furious — for the German Parliament, anyway — speech denouncing Mr. Merz and his measures. 'You just said that no one from your party is reaching out to the AfD!' she shouted, in a speech that has since racked up nearly seven million views on TikTok. 'That's right! They've been happily embracing each other for a long time already!' In the month that followed, she called the AfD a fascist party and demanded that the Christian Democrats fire Mr. Merz. She proposed strengthening immigrants' rights, increasing pensions and imposing stricter rent controls to help people struggling with postpandemic price increases across Germany. She also called Die Linke the country's last great firewall against the far right. Die Linke coupled those calls with an aggressive social media outreach and party-like atmospheres at its rallies. It added more than 30,000 new members in the last month of the campaign, said Götz Lange, the party's press officer. In the campaign's final week, Ms. Reichinnek traveled to the Berlin suburb of Treptow-Köpenick to talk to Ole Liebl, a queer influencer, about 'techno and TikTok.' Afterward there was a party, with a DJ set, including a techno mix with the voice of a famed left leader in Germany, Gregor Gysi. The venue, an old brewery, was bursting at the seams: Instead of the allowed 400 guests, around 1.200 people showed up. Most of them were techno lovers in black hoodies, people with multicolored hair and T-shirts with 'antifa' slogans written on them. They mostly appeared to be in their early 20s. There wasn't enough space inside for everyone, so around 800 guests followed the event outside and downstairs, on a livestream. Wearing a rust red-colored sweater and jeans, Mr. Reichinnek appeared after a 30-minute delay, smiling and waving to the crowd. 'Thank you for being here,' she said. 'It's crazy, I don't even want to know what it looks like down there. If you need help, try banging on the ceiling really loudly, we'll know.' The crowd roared. On Election Day, Die Linke surprised analysts and appeared to snatch votes from the Greens and the Social Democrats, the party of the incumbent chancellor, Olaf Scholz, and got new voters to turn out. In Berlin's central Mitte neighborhood, it won areas previously dominated by the Greens. Founded in 2007 and descended from the former ruling party of East Germany, Die Linke had recently been better known for its failures than any success. Its most well-known leader, Sahra Wagenknecht, quit the party to start her own — which blended some traditional left economic positions with a hard line on migration and an affinity for Russia. That may have been a blessing, said Sven Leunig, a political scientist at the University of Jena, a public research university in Germany. Ms. Wagenknecht's positions had split the party. 'They were torn,' Mr. Leunig said, and voters did not like it. The departure also allowed Die Linke to enlist new candidates and leaders. Other mainstream parties continued to push familiar faces and may have paid the price. Daria Batalov, a 23-year-old nursing student from the central town of Hanau, said she was won over by Ms. Reichinnek's TikTok videos. 'They really spoke to me,' she said, adding, 'And it was clear to me after a few videos that, OK, my vote is going to Die Linke.' Analysts said Ms. Reichinnek and her party also benefited from a backlash to Mr. Merz's migration measures, and from fears about the rise of the far right. 'She had good luck,' said Uwe Jun, a political scientist at the University of Trier. Her supporters called it something else: the rebirth of a movement. At Die Linke's election-viewing party in Berlin, the crowd erupted into cheers when early exit polls flashed across the screen. Jan van Aken, a party leader, was greeted onstage with confetti. 'The Left lives,' he said.
The Guardian
24-02-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
Will Germany's new government restore its role as a bold leader of the EU?
Germany has long been seen as the EU's 'indispensable nation' – the biggest, richest and most consequential power. But in recent years Berlin has widely been regarded as missing in action in the EU, hobbled by internecine feuding in a coalition government that has caused flip-flops and delayed decisions. Olaf Scholz has a cool relationship with Emmanuel Macron, slowing down the fabled Franco-German motor that powers the EU. The Polish-German relationship has also been rocky, strained by disputes over European air defence and historical grievances. Friedrich Merz, on course to become Germany's next chancellor, has promised to restore German leadership in Europe. 'I think Merz and his team understand the urgency of the global situation and that we need a functioning German government soon,' said Jana Puglierin, the head of the Berlin office at the European Council on Foreign Relations. 'The situation is so urgent that we need to first agree on some fundamental principles to be able to speak with a voice in Brussels … of course, for the EU, the earlier the better.' The rest of Europe is looking to the continent's biggest economy to send more military aid to Ukraine. Merz, who has previously warned Scholz against 'an appeasement policy' towards Russia, has promised to send Kyiv long-range Taurus cruise missiles long denied. He is also likely to face demands to send German troops to Ukraine as part of a deterrent or peacekeeping force, a discussion that Scholz described as 'completely premature'. Puglierin said there was consensus among mainstream parties that 'we cannot throw Ukraine under the bus' but predicted 'hard coalition negotiations' over funding aid 'and that can, of course, paralyse support for Ukraine'. Merz's government will soon face calls to increase Germany's defence spending to at least 3% of GDP at a Nato summit in June. Such demands will intensify pressure to reform Germany's debt brake, which limits annual government borrowing to 0.35% of GDP. Many EU countries also want Berlin to reverse its opposition to pan-European borrowing for defence – so-called eurobonds. Despite his fiscally conservative economic stance, Merz has signalled openness to both options, but neither is a foregone conclusion. Janis Emmanouilidis, deputy chief executive at the European Policy Centre, said Merz has been extremely careful not to say anything 'which might cost him in his own party', where many do not want debt-brake reform or eurobonds. It is 'difficult to judge Merz's room for manoeuvre' on the debt-brake, he said. The centre-right leader is expected to dial down radical ideas from the campaign trail, such as permanent controls at the German border, as part of a five-point plan that included turning away all asylum seekers. Strict controls would damage relations with Germany's neighbours. Poland's prime minister, Donald Tusk, last year condemned controls introduced by Scholz's government as 'unacceptable'. Emmanouilidis expects Merz to enjoy better relations with Tusk and Macron, although said it would be difficult for relations 'not to get better'. Merz's leadership style 'indicates that he will be trying to play a stronger role' in contrast with Scholz's 'lack of boldness', Emmanouilidis said, although 'the devil will be in the detail'. But the most testing leader for Merz will be Donald Trump, who in one month has upended the certainties of postwar German foreign policy – an icy reality for Merz's Christian Democratic Union party, a traditional ally of the US Republican party. Since the US vice-president, JD Vance, met the far-right leader Alice Weidel and attacked European democracies, Merz, a lifelong transatlanticist, sounds less optimistic about striking deals with Trump, Puglierin said. 'Germany is very sensitive to attacks on the EU … I think that this could lead to more openness to help make the EU work.'
