BERLIN: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Tuesday defended his government's migration crackdown as vital to "protect public safety", a day after a court ruled one of its flagship policies was illegal. The Berlin court said on Monday that German border officials cannot turn away asylum seekers before it is determined which country should process their cases under EU rules.
The court decision could "limit our room for manoeuvre a little", he acknowledged in a speech to a gathering of local government officials in Berlin. But he insisted the ruling was "preliminary", adding: "We know that we can continue with pushbacks".
"We will do it to protect public safety and order in our country and to prevent cities and municipalities from becoming overwhelmed". He said the policy, which has caused tensions with some of Germany's neighbours, would be carried out "within the framework of existing European law". The measures were temporary until security at the European Union's external borders "is significantly improved", he stressed. — AFP
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