Brandenburg’s Minister-President Dietmar Woidke has downplayed warnings from business leaders regarding the potential negative economic impacts of the recently reinstated border controls with Poland. Speaking to the Handelsblatt, Woidke stated that, currently, no significant economic damage has been observed and cautioned against exaggerating the issue. He emphasized that border controls are a crucial tool to curb irregular migration, which he believes must be contained to prevent further disruption.
Woidke acknowledged the strain the influx of migrants has placed on Germany’s social and political stability, suggesting it has jeopardized the country’s equilibrium. He underscored the importance of securing Germany’s external borders, while simultaneously stressing the need to minimize repercussions on border regions, local populations and the economy.
Addressing logistical challenges, Woidke specifically called for improvements to traffic flow on the highway leading to the Polish border. He urged the Autobahn GmbH des Bundes, the federal body responsible for highways, to consider adding an additional lane. He also proposed a streamlined pass system for commuters, mirroring the procedures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, which he deemed effective.
Recognizing shortcomings in past German migration policy, Woidke admitted that previous policies of open borders have generated considerable public discontent and a degree of surprise regarding Germany’s approach. He suggested that the scale of the challenge was not adequately recognized, leading to consequences for social cohesion.