After Germany’s announcement: Top security politician calls for border controls

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The war in the Middle East is affecting Europe. Islamist attacks are shaking France and Belgium. “I am also seriously concerned about safety in our country,” says SVP Councilor Mauro Tuena (51). As chairman of the Security Policy Committee, he is the country’s highest security politician.

General border controls should be reintroduced so that people at risk can no longer enter Switzerland unhindered. This also applies to our airports. The green border must also be strictly protected again. “Extraordinary events require extraordinary measures,” Tuena explains.

The question is no coincidence. On Monday, Germany announced stationary checks at the border with Switzerland. The measure applies immediately and for ten days. However, it can be extended.

The reason is not only the increased threat of terrorism, but also the rapid illegal entry into Germany and the unscrupulousness of the smugglers. Recently, seven migrants were killed when a speeding smuggler had an accident.

Controls at the Swiss southern border

Against this background, it is not surprising that security politician Tuena is calling for stricter border controls. The SVP has already announced an initiative to this end.

Until now, it has been repeatedly argued that border controls are contrary to the free movement of people. “The fact that Germany is now introducing controls shows that the measure is compatible with the bilateral agreements,” Tuena emphasizes. However, the security politician also believes that complete border closures are unrealistic. Ultimately, commuting across borders must continue to function in a controlled manner. “Switzerland must know who is coming to our country.”

As the ‘NZZ’ reports, other citizens are now also participating, including Marco Romano (40). The National Council of Ticino Center believes that Switzerland should respond to Germany’s decision and do the same on its southern border. “If the passage to the north becomes more complicated, more people will reside illegally in Switzerland.” And this creates a safety problem.

“The last will be bitten by the dogs”

Hans-Peter Portmann (60) argues similarly. The National Council of the FDP and chairman of the National Council’s Foreign Affairs Committee demand that the federal government prepare possible border controls. Because: “The dogs bite the last.” If individual countries close their borders, Switzerland will ultimately suffer. “These people are here to stay,” Portmann said.

SP Council Member Céline Widmer (45) assesses the situation differently. “The fact that Germany has taken this measure does not mean that Switzerland must reintroduce systematic checks at the border with Italy.”

She points out that this would have serious consequences for the movement of commuters across the border with Ticino. Moreover, Switzerland has already intensified its control activities. The federal government even increased staffing at the border in Ticino at the end of September. And it appears that from the federal government’s point of view, this is sufficient. (dba/rba)

Source:Blick