The German government’s introduction of a stricter border regime has sparked criticism from leading SPD politicians. Saarland’s Minister-President, Anke Rehlinger, expressed her concerns in an interview with the Welt am Sonntag, stating that the strengthened border controls, agreed upon in the coalition contract, are causing a burden for the economically important border traffic in her state.
Rehlinger emphasized the need to find better solutions, citing the example of a corridor-based approach, where border controls are carried out in a partnership with neighboring countries, making it more difficult for criminals and human smugglers to operate. This model, she suggested, could be tested in Saarland.
Rheinland-Pfalz’s Minister-President, Alexander Schweitzer, took a more nuanced stance, acknowledging that temporary border controls can be sensible and important. He supported the introduction of the regime, citing a significant decrease in asylum applications as a result. However, he also emphasized the importance of maintaining a high level of cooperation and mobility in the region, as well as a European approach to refugee policy built on solidarity.
Schweitzer emphasized the significance of the region’s shared life, with its borders to France, Belgium and Luxembourg and the need for the federal government to prioritize a European approach to refugee policy, particularly in the face of global trade tensions with the United States.