State of emergency or not, Germany now refuses asylum seekers

Germany has begun turning away asylum seekers at its borders, with 32 people rejected in the first week of the new government's policy. Interior Minister Dobrindt announced the measures, signaling a shift in migration policy. However, cooperation from neighboring countries remains uncertain, as Poland refused to accept two Afghan asylum seekers sent back by Germany.

Chancellor Merz had previously advocated for stricter migration controls, citing public safety concerns. The government now cites Article 72 of an EU treaty to justify border rejections, though it denies declaring a formal state of emergency. Legal challenges are expected, as critics question the policy's alignment with European asylum laws.