Poland has strongly criticized Germany following recent statements suggesting the possibility of imposing border checks between the two neighboring countries. The tension arises amidst a broader European discussion about border security and migration.
Poland has accused German Chancellor Olaf Scholz of attempting to interfere in the country’s parliamentary election, leading to a new rift with its Western neighbor.
Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau stated that remarks made by the chancellor, who called on Warsaw to investigate reports of illegally-issued work visas and threatened to introduce border controls on Sunday, violated “the principles of the sovereign equality of states.”
This exchange is likely to further strain relations between Poland and the government in Berlin, especially in the lead-up to the closely contested election on October 15.
“The competence of the German chancellor clearly does not concern the ongoing proceedings in Poland,” Rau stated on the X platform late on Sunday. “Statements in this regard indicate an attempt to interfere in the internal affairs of the Polish state and the ongoing electoral campaign in Poland.”
Polish media have reported allegations of bribery being involved in allowing more than 250,000 citizens from African and Asian countries to work in Poland over the past two and a-half years. The Foreign Ministry in Warsaw has disputed these numbers, stating that it is investigating only 268 visa requests.
