(16 November 2015) – Reports of a Syrian passport found near the body of one of the gunmen who died in Friday night’s attacks may change attitudes towards migrants across Europe.
Following the Paris bloodshed, populist leaders around Europe rushed to demand an end to an influx of refugees and migrants from the Middle East and Africa.
In France, where the authorities established temporary border checks expected to last one month, far-right leader Marine Le Pen said border controls should remain permanent.
In Germany, one day after the attacks in Paris, a debate over stricter asylum policies is emerging, in which German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who advocated the “open door” policy vis-à-vis migrants, is obviously targeted.
In Slovakia, a country whose government is among the most hostile to migrants, especially because of their religion, Prime Minister Robert Fico insiststed he was confirmed right about Syrian refugees, while other EU leaders were wrong.
In Poland, confusion reigns since European affairs minister designate Konrad Szymański said yesterday that the country will not accept migrants under European Union (EU) quotas after the Paris attacks. (EurActiv)