Poland is introducing strict border controls with Germany: what's behind it?

Poland is introducing strict border controls with Germany: what's behind it?

As of tonight, Poland has taken strict control of its borders with Germany and Lithuania. With the aim of stemming the dizzying influx of migrants, random checks were introduced at a total of 52 border crossings. prime minister Donald Tusk announced these measures as urgently necessary. “Poland's patience is exhausted,” Tusk stressed, while describing Germany's unilateral measures as a catalyst for tensions between neighboring countries.

The border controls, which particularly target buses, minibuses and cars with many passengers, are accompanied by an increased presence of the Polish border guards, police and soldiers. So far, authorities are reporting that border traffic is running smoothly, which will probably give nervous commuters some relief. Nevertheless, there is concern that the controls could strain the ties between Germany and Poland - a point that Knut Abraham, the Federal Government Commissioner for Poland, addressed in his statements.

Migration in focus

A look at the background to this step shows that Poland finds itself in a maelstrom of domestic political pressure. Migration policy has positioned itself as a central issue in the election campaign, with both nationalist and right-wing conservative voices, such as from Karol Nawrocki and Slawomir Mentzen, are loudly demanding that the border be closed. “It’s about effectively stopping unfounded returns from Germany,” Tusk continued.

But it's not just the government that faces challenges; Business representatives are also concerned about the economic consequences of such controls. Cross-border traffic in particular could suffer as a result, and the already noticeable effects on the shortage of skilled workers in Brandenburg are scaring many people. Mayors, like the one in Zgorzelec, are also concerned about traffic jams and the sense of community in the already burdened border regions.

The role of the vigilante groups

While official politics is forming, an unofficial movement is also flourishing on the fringes: the self-proclaimed vigilante groups, which are springing up like mushrooms. Their actions against migrants, supported by Right-wing conservatives and the opposition party PiS, met with sharp criticism from the government and human rights activists. Tusk described the actions of these groups as “disgraceful and scandalous,” while Nawrocki defended the measures. Experts accuse the government of bowing to pressure from this movement and criticize the lack of rational arguments for the necessary controls.

The new migration policy is seen by commentators as a kind of test for Tusk to prove that he takes border control and the country's security seriously. But the further course of the matter remains exciting, because it is still unclear whether the vigilante patrols will end with today's controls.