Economy Minister Robert Habeck noted that China remains Germany’s second-largest export partner and largest source for imports—a fact which would do much to dissuade the nation from doing an all-out U-turn.
The incident, along with its ripple effects, lays bare a double-failing of the Belgian system: its inadequacy to deal with potentially dangerous individuals and a demoralised law enforcement on the verge of rebellion.
A key consideration—and main reason for the hold-up—is Russia’s demand that restrictions on its exports of agricultural products be lifted; in the pursuit of that goal, Russia is using its participation as a bargaining chip.
Graz’s audit office director warns that the city council may be disempowered, leaving leadership in the hands of a government commissary. New elections may be pending for 2023.
NGO ships, referred to by some as “migrant taxis,” have brought 10,000 foreign nationals, most of whom originated in North Africa, to European soil this year, with the vast majority landing in Italy.
