Merkel’s popularity dips to year low after refugee crisis decision

The go signal that German Chancellor Angela Merkel gave to Syrian refugees to enter Germany did not sit well with her own people. A poll shows Merkel’s popularity declined after deciding to open Germany to refugees.

The sudden influx of people was not taken well by the locals as there are housing issues, as well as funding and processing of asylum papers for refugees entering the country. To add to the tension, German police has recorded a total of 5,380 illegal entries to Germany. The number has increased from its Sunday record, which was 4,160.

Aside from legal issues and housing problems, budget is also an immediate concern. A total of 5 billion euros (AU$8 billion) bonus from this year’s budget was set to be used to cover the cost of spending next year, according to Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble. The government further announced last week that it will pay 16 federal states 670 euros (AU$ 1,075) each month for every asylum seeker the state takes in.

Even though Germany opened its land for Syrian refugees, the country reintroduced border controls along with its European Union neighbours to filter and monitor crossing of people in the continent.

The influx of refugees not only affects the government but also the society, according to reports. Anti-Islam group PEGIDA led a march of around 8,500 people on Monday in Dresden, resulting to injuries of journalists. Violence and crime rates committed against people staying in refugee camps are also increasing.

Head of the police union, Rainer Wendt, noted that violence in hostels are common occurrences. “Groups come together according to ethnic religious or clan structure and attack each other with knives and homemade weapons,” Wendt explained to Passauer Neue Presse via Reuters.

Contact the writer at feedback@ibtimes.com.au, or let us know what you think below.