The German Government announced on Monday its intention to extend border checks beyond the deadline originally planned for March.
The government – which is facing a pivotal election in February 2025 – cited the success of these measures in curbing irregular immigration.
"Approximately 1,800 smugglers have been arrested, and around 40,000 people have been turned away at the borders," stated German Home Affairs Minister Nancy Faeser in an interview with Augsburger Allgemeine.
Germany is the only European country to have "deported dangerous criminals to Afghanistan for the first time," the Social Democrat minister proudly noted.
On the ongoing debate about the return of Syrian refugees, Faeser remarked that "many refugees may be able to return" and will be supported if "the hope for peace in Syria becomes a reality."
In September, Germany reinstated border controls for six months to combat irregular immigration. The European Commission reminded Member States at the time that such measures must remain "strictly exceptional."
Typically, internal border controls within the Schengen zone are not permitted. However they can be imposed for public order or security threats for up to six months, with a maximum extension of two years.
On Monday, Faeser asserted that the extension would be necessary "until the protection of the EU's external borders is clearly strengthened."
Germany has recently experienced a series of attacks by foreign nationals, shaking public opinion.
In response, Chancellor Olaf Scholz's government has toughened its stance on irregular immigration amid a challenging electoral landscape, marked by a significant rise in far-right support in two regional elections in early September.
