Schulz called for a “thorough investigation” into media reports claiming that a quarter of a million people may have been wrongly granted work permits in Poland. These people, who come mainly from Africa and Asia, are said to have received bribes.
The Chancellor threatened to conduct border controls on the German-Polish border if there was no clarity. Seven people were arrested in Poland as a result of this situation.
Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau said that Schulz was interfering in the election campaign and that this violated Poland’s sovereignty. Parliamentary elections are scheduled for October 15. Immigration restriction is a very important issue, especially for the ruling Law and Justice Party, of which Rao is also a member.
A referendum is scheduled to be held on the same day on whether to accept or reject the EU migration plan.
There have been tensions between Germany and Poland for years. For example, Poland is demanding compensation for the destruction that occurred during World War II.
During the election campaign, the PiS leader described opposition leader Donald Tusk as a “spy for the Germans.”
Rao’s party is doing well in the opinion polls. It will remain the largest party and, with two junior coalition partners, can count on 36.76% of the vote.
