German Police Union Head Criticizes New Border Control Plans

The head of Germany's Federal Police Union, Andreas Rosskopf, criticized the feasibility of new border control plans due to staffing issues just days before implementation. The controls aim to address rising migration and far-right sentiments, but could strain police resources and increase resignation rates among younger officers.

The head of Germany's Federal Police Union has cast doubt on the government's new border control plans, citing significant staffing and preparation challenges just two days before their planned start on Monday. 'The Federal Police are still in the process of gathering personnel until Monday morning,' Andreas Rosskopf told the RND media group on Saturday.

The stringent border controls, set to last six months within the Schengen zone, are Berlin's response to escalating migration issues and a surge in far-right activities, inflamed by recent violent incidents involving asylum seekers. Rosskopf criticized the rushed announcement, stating, 'This is not fully worked out yet and is partly due to the fact that the minister's announcement came as a surprise.'

Rosskopf further cautioned that the measures could impose long-term strains on the Federal Police, noting a high resignation rate among younger officers, currently over 25%. 'There is a risk that even more officers may no longer view their jobs positively,' he added.

These border controls are part of an interior ministry strategy to turn away more migrants directly at the border, though the specific procedures remain unclear. This initiative comes amid a backdrop of declining asylum applications in Germany, which saw a 21.7% drop in the first eight months of the year.

(With inputs from agencies.)