Inside Germany is our weekly look at some of the news, talking points and gossip in Germany that you might not have heard about. It’s published each Saturday and members can receive it directly to their inbox by going to their newsletter preferences or adding their email to the sign-up box in this article.
Germany’s increased border checks spark massive row
One of the things that travellers enjoy when moving around the EU is the freedom to cross borders in countries within the Schengen zone without facing lengthy checks.
But Germany this week announced it would tighten its border controls.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said checks already in place with Austria, Poland, the Czech Republic and Switzerland would be extended to the borders with France, Luxembourg, Belgium, the Netherlands and Denmark for an initial six months.
READ ALSO: How Germany’s increased border checks will affect travel from neighbouring countries
The move is due to increased pressure on the government to limit irregular migration – this is the term used for people trying to enter Germany without going through the usual channels like with a visa. It’s also a reaction to a number of high-profile attacks or attempted attacks involving alleged Islamic extremists.
Faeser is working on a plan that would see German police temporarily detain asylum seekers already registered in other EU member states, while authorities work to speedily send them back to that country.
As you can imagine, though, the EU is not happy about this – and neither are other European countries.
The European Commission said that member states were allowed to take a step like this to address “a serious threat”, but that the measures needed to be “necessary and proportionate”.
Faeser said Germany would not take measures “that could harm the European Union”, but also outlined in a letter to the Commission that authorities were struggling to deal with the influx of people.
So will this solution put an end to the arguments in Germany?
Probably not. The government has been getting eaten alive by the opposition conservatives, who want to see a ‘national emergency’ declared and tougher measures on asylum seekers. Meanwhile, the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD) are making historic gains in eastern elections.
As we wrote this week, the challenge of controlling who should be allowed to come to Germany is one of the trickiest items at the top of the German government’s agenda.
READ ALSO: Debt, migration and the far-right – The big challenges facing Germany this autumn
In the Bundestag debate Chancellor Olaf Scholz, of the Social Democrats, said that Germany desperately needs the help of people from abroad to plug gaps in the labour market and fuel economic growth.
“There is no country in the world with a shrinking labour force that has economic growth,” said Scholz. “That is the truth that we are confronted with,” he added, while also emphasising the need for management and control of migration.
Notification fail
Some would say that Germany’s obsession with titles and qualifications has gone too far.
Peak Germany. Don’t include the actual weather warning in the notification, but tell me the qualification of the person who wrote the post. pic.twitter.com/mfMF8DSSWf
— Lynn Nothegger (@Lynn_Nothegger) September 12, 2024
Pumpkin festival has ‘Frauenpower’
It’s that time of year again! Every year a weird and wonderful Pumpkin Festival or Kürbisausstellung, takes place at the Blühenden Barock in the small city of Ludwigsburg, Baden-Württemberg. This year is the 25th anniversary and the theme is ‘Frauenpower’ (Women’s Power). That’s why Mexican painter and icon Frida Kahlo has been immortalised with pumpkins by the artist Pit Ruge.
Check out the exhibition before it finishes on November 3rd. Look out for Cleopatra and Marge Simpson!
Autumnal comfort food
Speaking of pumpkin or Kürbis, they are also a delicious food to get on your plate at this time of year.
With the drop in temperatures, it’s time for summer salads to be cast aside so we can focus on nutrient-dense soups and hearty stews again.
You can add pumpkin to almost any meal. Combining it with coconut milk to make a curry is my personal favourite, but I also would not say no to Kübiskuchen (pumpkin pie).
It’s not just the pumpkin’s time to shine, though. Squashes, mushrooms, cabbage, chestnuts and apples are all ingredients that you can use to make delicious meals at this time of year.
Slightly heavier (and cheesier) dishes like the Käsespätzle are also perfect for the cooler months.
READ ALSO: 10 ways to enjoy autumn like a true German
What’s on your menu in Germany this autumn? Let us know!
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