Members of Germany’s governing and opposition parties are sharply divided over the escalating costs associated with increased border controls. Recent figures indicate expenditures of approximately 80 million euros, sparking debate regarding effectiveness and economic impact.
Sebastian Fiedler, the SPD’s spokesperson for domestic affairs, suggested a significant portion of this cost – 37.9 million euros – may be a theoretical figure tied to overtime pay for federal police. He explained that this overtime is only actually paid out if accrued hours cannot be compensated with time off within a year. He cautioned that granting such time off could divert resources from essential policing duties. He also noted that the hourly rates for overtime – ranging from 18.22 to 34.46 euros depending on rank – coupled with tax deductions, make it a less attractive option for officers.
Fiedler emphasized that the focus shouldn’t solely be on the financial aspect, asserting that citizens rightly expect improved border and migration management. He highlighted the work of previous Interior Minister Nancy Faeser and affirmed that current Minister Alexander Dobrindt is continuing that progress. He pointed to deficiencies in management at the EU’s external borders during the previous parliamentary term, noting a high percentage of individuals controlled at German borders had not been registered at the external border. He reiterated the importance of knowing who is entering the EU and maintaining targeted border controls due to the impossibility of comprehensive coverage.
Alexander Throm, CDU spokesperson for domestic affairs, defended the expenditures, viewing them as a vital investment in national security. He argued that the true costs lie in managing illegal migration – financially, socially and from a security perspective – and that continued controls are necessary to preserve order and cohesion.
However, Irene Mihalic, parliamentary secretary for the Green Party, strongly criticized the spending, characterizing it as driven by impulse rather than sound policy. She described the 80 million euro price tag as exorbitant, placing a significant burden on federal police, disrupting commuters, hindering the economy and undermining European cooperation. Mihalic further asserted that the controls do not enhance internal security, citing the impracticality of monitoring thousands of kilometers of borders and their limited impact on combating human trafficking. She called on the Interior Minister to justify the continuation of what she termed a populist, costly and unlawful measure.