It sounds like a déjà vu: A new wave of migration is rolling in Europe - and from Germany there is a call to distribute people across Europe. Have we really learned anything from the great crisis of 2015?
Georg Anastasiadis, editor-in-chief of Munich's Merkur.
© Klaus Haag
If there were a script for the faithful repetition of the refugee crisis of 2015, then one would have to do exactly what Green Party leader Annalena Baerbock demands from the chancellor: open borders, forge a “coalition of the willing” and the tens of thousands of migrants who take part in the Greek - Endure the Turkish border, spread it across Europe.
The proposal sounds good, but it is dishonest: the Greens are once again responsible for the “humanitarian gesture” - but for the defense against the mass migration to Greece triggered by this, but the security forces there, who are beaten up when there are injuries or even deaths on the Limit there.
Repeating historical mistakes would be unforgivable
Bad enough that the politician's promise that 2015 should not be repeated was not followed up by actions; but it would be unforgivable to repeat historical mistakes to speak to Merkel. 3.5 million Syrians remain in Turkey, plus a large number of Afghans, Iranians, Iraqis and Africans who dream of a better future in Europe. Those who give them hopes today that Europe will never be able to fulfill take part in Erdogan's cruel game with the dreams of millions of migrants and refugees.
Even if the pictures of the border at Edirne move us: in 2020 there should be no new invitation signals. But a clear answer from the rule of law, which must protect Europe's external borders. Germany must also show solidarity - the Germany that celebrated its humanity in 2015, while the Hungarians were left to do the dirty work with the fence construction and a pact was agreed with Turkey that delivered Europe to the vagaries of an unpredictable sultan. We can only hope that the Chancellor learned from a mistake that she has not admitted to this day.
Also read: Escalation at the EU border: Erdogan threatens with millions of refugees - Merkel is angry
Syria: After Turkish attack - Syrian army announces violent resistance
