The Breaking Point? Germany’s Asylum System Struggles to Cope

As the migrant influx continued, the 'Refugees Welcome' high of early September 2015 was beginning to wear off. People were beginning to wonder if Germany would really be able to cope with all the newcomers. And the system was already completely overwhelmed.

In September 2015 German towns and cities were struggling to deal with a record influx of refugees, most of whom arrived by train via Austria. Thousands of people were arriving on a daily basis. On the 11 September 2015 Germany put 4,000 troops on standby to help with incoming refugees. On the 12 September 2015 it was estimated that 13,000 migrants arrived in Munich.

Also on the 11 September 2015 members of the CSU - sister party to Angela Merkel's CDU - dubbed the German Chancellor's handling of the refugee crisis an 'unprecedented political mistake'.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Why Germany needs migrants more than UK http://www.europeansources.info/record/why-germany-needs-migrants-more-than-uk/

ESO: Background information: Germany suspends Dublin agreement for Syrian refugees http://www.europeansources.info/record/germany-suspends-dublin-agreement-for-syrian-refugees/

ESO: Background information: German politicians vow decisive action following Heidenau clashes http://www.europeansources.info/record/german-politicians-vow-decisive-action-following-heidenau-clashes/

ESO: Background information: Germany expecting 650,000 refugees this year: report http://www.europeansources.info/record/germany-expecting-650000-refugees-this-year-report/

ESO: Background information: Germany urged to deter Balkan asylum claims http://www.europeansources.info/record/germany-urged-to-deter-balkan-asylum-claims/

Deutsche Welle, 11.09.15: Germany places 4,000 soldiers on standby to help with refugees http://dw.com/p/1GVCd

Deutsche Welle, 11.09.15: CSU denounces Merkel's refugee policy as a 'mistake' http://dw.com/p/1GUq

Deutsche Welle, 12.09.15: Munich calls for national help to accommodate refugees http://dw.com/p/1GVc8

Politico, 11.09.15: Backlash grows against Merkel over refugees http://www.politico.eu/article/backlash-merkel-refugees-migration-germany-coalition-pressure/

BBC News, 07.09.15: Migrant crisis: What next for Germany's asylum seekers? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-34175795

Deutsche Welle, 13.09.15: Refugees spend the night at Munich's central station http://dw.com/p/1GVhk

ESO: Information Guide: European Migration Challenges http://www.europeansources.info/record/information-guide-european-migration-challenges/

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