Increased tensions at German/Swiss border

Heightened border checks between Germany and Switzerland are raising tensions.

Germany announced it will bring in more checks after a knife attack in the town of Solingen last month left three dead. 

Under a long-standing agreement, German police are allowed to operate in Switzerland, mainly between the two stations of Basel Badischer and Basel Main Station.

Germany is refusing access to hundreds of potential asylum seekers wishing to enter the country. As they are still in Switzerland – they become this country’s responsibility. 

A Basel State Councillor says the system needs to change. Petra Gössi says it’s shocking that migrants are intercepted on Swiss soil and then they must be dealt with by Swiss authorities. She says Bern needs to negotiate firmly with Berlin. 

 

 

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