Far-right extremists have tried to mount a vigilante guard to keep out migrants at Germany’s border with Poland.
Police moved 50 people out of the border zone and confiscated weapons including a bayonet, a machete, pepper spray and batons.
They pointed the finger at a small neo-Nazi party called The Third Way, which called on activists to “protect our homeland”.
It told supporters to gather overnight and search for migrants entering the EU via Belarus, which is suspected of ferrying people into the bloc.
“This time we will not stand by helplessly while millions of foreigners stream into our country and disappear into major cities,” the party said.
The far-right patrol led to criticism and a counterdemonstration by dozens of people in the border town of Guben.
“It can’t come to this, that right-wing extremists feel responsible for the border,” said Green party member Lamya Kaddor.
But authorities are increasing their own patrols. Interior Minister Horst Seehofer said hundreds of officers were on duty.
He said Germany does not plan to close the border with Poland but that he will send reinforcements to the frontier if necessary.
“It is legitimate for us to protect our external border in such a way that illegal crossings at the border are prevented,” he said. “If Europe can’t get its act together with a common asylum pact, national measures will be taken.”
Border dispute
About 5,700 people have crossed the border illegally this year, the ministry says. A suspected smuggler was arrested at the weekend after 31 migrants from Iraq were found in a van near the Polish border.
The EU accuses Belarus of shepherding illegal migrants into the bloc to put pressure on Brussels over economic sanctions.
Minsk is suspected of flying migrants from the Middle East and Africa into the country, before sending them to EU borders on foot.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko denies this and blames the West for what he says is a looming humanitarian catastrophe at the border.
The Third Way party previously earned notoriety for putting up election posters saying “hang the Greens”.
The party won 7,832 votes at last month’s general election, less than 0.1 per cent of the total.
Germany’s domestic intelligence agency described it in an annual report as being defined by xenophobia, anti-Semitism and neo-Nazi ideology.
It said the party fundamentally rejects Germany’s liberal democratic order, in particular in its statements on asylum and immigration.
GOLF’S RAHMBO
- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)
Analysis
Maros Sefcovic is juggling multiple international trade agreement files, but his message was clear when he spoke to The National on Wednesday.
The EU-UAE bilateral trade deal will be finalised soon, he said. It is in everyone’s interests to do so. Both sides want to move quickly and are in alignment. He said the UAE is a very important partner for the EU. It’s full speed ahead - and with some lofty ambitions - on the road to a free trade agreement.
We also talked about US-EU tariffs. He answered that both sides need to talk more and more often, but he is prepared to defend Europe's position and said diplomacy should be a guiding principle through the current moment.
North Pole stats
Distance covered: 160km
Temperature: -40°C
Weight of equipment: 45kg
Altitude (metres above sea level): 0
Terrain: Ice rock
South Pole stats
Distance covered: 130km
Temperature: -50°C
Weight of equipment: 50kg
Altitude (metres above sea level): 3,300
Terrain: Flat ice
Countries offering golden visas
UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.
Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.
Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.
Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.
Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence.
2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups
Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.
Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.
Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, Leon.
Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.
Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.
Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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