Sébastien Le Belzic // Photo credits:
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7:30 a.m., April 11, 2024
While MEPs adopted a profound reform of European migration policy on Wednesday, the German government estimates for the first time this week that the influx of migrants is leading to an increase in crimes.
After years of tough negotiations, MEPs adopted on Wednesday a profound reform of European migration policy which tightens controls on arrivals at the bloc’s borders and sets up a system of solidarity between member states. This migration issue arises in particular in Germany, where for the first time this week, the government correlated the massive influx of refugees with the increase in crimes. The number of crimes committed by foreigners in Germany increased by 13.5%.
“The principle of zero tolerance applies”
Offenders of foreign origin now represent 41% of all suspects apprehended in Germany, or 923,000 people in 2023. A record which worries Interior Minister Nancy Faeser: “There is no justification or excuse for this violence, and the principle of zero tolerance applies. And regarding foreign criminals, in addition to immediate application of anti-crime laws, they will have to be deported much more quickly than before.”
This statement coming from a social democratic government is surprising in a country where the fight against immigration has long been the preserve of far-right parties. But the massive influx of refugees, up 51% last year, notably Syrians, Afghans and Ukrainians, puts the migration issue back at the center of the political agenda. Less than two months before the European elections, where the far right is leading the race in Germany.