Comments by the future German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in a newspaper interview has caused confusion in Bern.
He told the 'Bild' that there are ongoing negotiations with neighbouring countries about how to stem the flow of irregular migration by using permanent border controls.
The position has received support in his home country, but the problem is – such negotiations are news to Bern.
A spokesman for the State Secretariat for Migration says clearly – ‘there are no talks with Germany – any cooperation is being done within the bounds of existing agreements.’
Commentators suggest it would be surprising if the Federal Councillor in charge of migration, Beat Jans, agreed to indefinite border controls to curb migration.
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