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Refugees

Germany Faces "Avalanche" of Refugees, Financial Minister Warns

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Germany is being overwhelmed by an "avalanche" of refugees, Finance Minister Wolfgang Schauble warned, saying the country will not be able to solve the crisis alone. The situation is a "rendezvous with globalisation" and Europe needs to work together to address it, he added. Schauble's comments come amid growing divisions in Chancellor Angela Merkel's government over her "open-door" asylum policy.

Key Takeaways:

  • Germany is facing a massive influx of refugees, with Schauble warning of an "avalanche" that could have severe consequences.
  • The country's interior ministry does not know how many asylum seekers are currently in reception centers or have been distributed around the country.
  • Schauble's government expects to host 800,000 asylum seekers this year, but some observers believe that many have already arrived.
  • The government's handling of the refugee crisis is causing growing divisions within the government, with some ministers questioning Chancellor Merkel's policy.
  • Thomas de Maiziere, the interior minister, has reinstated EU rules that allow for the deportation of Syrian refugees without consulting Merkel.
  • There are reports of discontent among the government, with the Green Party leader, Simone Peter, calling for reforms to be made.

Statistics:

  • 800,000: the number of asylum seekers that Germany expects to host this year.
  • Unknown: the number of asylum seekers currently in reception centers or distributed around the country.
  • 1: the number of times Finance Minister Schauble has broken his silence on the refugee crisis.

Sources:

  • "Avalanche" of refugees puts Germany to the test", The Times, no date.
  • "Schauble: Germany cannot cope with refugees alone", Deutsche Welle, no date.
  • Written answer to parliamentary question from Renate Kunast, MP for the Green Party, Suddeutsche Zeitung, no date.
  • Statement from Thomas de Maiziere, interior minister, EU rules reinstated, no date.
  • Interview with Simone Peter, Green Party leader, no date.

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