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Economy in distress: Strict border controls cause sales drama!
Bavaria's economy is complaining about losses in sales due to stricter border controls. Criticism of CSU policy and increasing delivery delays.
Economy in distress: Strict border controls cause sales drama!
The Bavarian economy is becoming increasingly concerned about the effects of the stricter border controls. In Freilassing in particular, companies are reporting significant losses in sales. According to the IHK Munich and Upper Bavaria, losses in retail, restaurants and hotels can be up to 20%, which puts a heavy burden on the affected industry. Managing Director Manfred Gößl calls for a “more acceptable implementation” of the controls in order to mitigate the economic consequences. In this critical situation, it is noteworthy that open criticism of the CSU and its policies in the Bavarian economy is rather rare, as many associations are led by people close to the CSU. But the burdens seem to be the last straw, especially since the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce has already criticized the stricter controls in the past.[Mercury]
As part of the election program of the CDU and CSU, the stricter controls at the Austrian border were implemented. Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) implemented this as one of his first measures. CSU boss Markus Söder is also calling for an increase in the number of federal police to carry out more checks at borders and train stations. However, the reports show that these measures are also causing noticeable problems in Berchtesgadener Land. Companies are often affected by delivery delays of more than an hour, which further exacerbates the situation.[Northern Bavaria]
Frustration and traffic jams at the border
In Freilassing, citizens express concern about the situation. Press spokesman Daniel Bag reports frustration with the constant traffic jams caused by the controls. Two out of four lanes on the Saal Bridge are currently closed for these checks, which significantly increases travel times for tradesmen and truck drivers.[Mercury]
The reactions are mixed. Anni Klinger, chairwoman of the Freilassing Economic Forum, speaks of sales losses of up to 33% and notes that many people from Salzburg no longer come to Freilassing. In contrast, the municipality of Ainring reports no complaints and only rare traffic jams. Mayor Hajo Gruber from Kiefersfelden sees little change as a result of the controls and describes them as symbolic politics. This underlines the divided perception of the situation in the affected regions. While some businesses and citizens are experiencing massive problems, other areas appear to be experiencing less dramatic impacts.[Mercury]
Overall, it remains to be seen how the situation will develop further. The ongoing criticism from the Bavarian economy could potentially lead to a review of the current approach to secure revenue and use of cross-border transport.[Northern Bavaria]