Friedrich Merz by Donald Tusk for asylum course

Friedrich Merz actually wants to hold a relaxed visit in Poland this Wednesday. He wants to strengthen the German-Polish relationship, he raves about the “big neighbor”. But at the appearance of Poland Prime Minister Donald Tusk, bigger irritation suddenly occurs in the evening. The reason: the new asylum policy of the federal government.

Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt announced the new course this Wednesday, shortly before the landing of Merz in Warsaw: stronger border controls, more rejections, including migrants who rely on asylum. Tusk makes it clear to the new Chancellor in Warsaw what he thinks of it: little to nothing. Migration is a European problem, not a national one, he considers Merz. “I will expect the new German government to have full cooperation to protect the external borders.” Nobody could send groups of migrants to Poland. “Poland will not accept that.”

Every country has the right to protect itself, says Tusk. But border controls? He sees extremely critical. “Every attempt of this kind is linked to major problems.” Tusk refers to commuters who worked in Germany – and vice versa. “I don’t want to break the atmosphere,” says Tusk, but it is clear to Poland: “The worst solution is when suddenly all controls insert.” There must be European solutions. “Our concern applies to the preservation of Schengen.” It is a very violent ruffle for the guest just chosen from Germany.

Now you have to know that in Poland there is currently a presidential election campaign, so Tusk is quite fitting to be able to present himself as a self -confident head of government. Nevertheless, the clear tone of the Polish head of government is remarkable and can hardly like Merz. On his first trip, he is made clear that it is not as easy with asylum policy as he imagined it.

The coalition has agreed “in coordination” with the European neighbors. Only they are anything but enthusiastic. Merz emphasizes that he had spoken to Tusk before his chancellor election to inform him about the rapid implementation of the plans. Apparently, this apparently used little.

“We want to develop European migration policy together,” emphasizes Merz. “And we will also make border controls in a way that is compatible for our neighbors.” On the way to Tusk, he called Tusk with Interior Minister Dobrindt and asked him to seek coordination with the European neighbors. Illegal migration is a European problem, not purely German. That almost sounds like he wanted to capture his minister.

Asylum -political, the first trip from Merz is rather a failure. Before that, in Paris, he had not encountered great enthusiasm for his migration course. President Emmanuel Macron waived open criticism. But he also warned: the Schengen system has to work.