Merkel’s migrant woes

FOR over a decade, Angela Merkel has been the towering figure of european politics. Today, following her disastrous decision to open her country’s borders to a million migrants, the German Chancellor is clinging to power by her fingertips.

her refusal to bring in tougher border controls has left her ruling coalition in a state of chaos, with leading members of the Christian Social Union – her main partner – constantly threatening to pull out.

She has survived for now. But her future looks uncertain at best.

Mrs Merkel’s fall from grace is what happens when politicians ignore the opinions of those who elected them.

The sudden flood of migrants – without warning or consultation – has enraged the communities who had to assimilate them. As a result, they have lost faith in their once-revered leader.

The truth is that all over europe, antiimmigration parties are on the march, border posts are going up and freedom of movement is being curbed.

In their Chequers meeting on Friday to thrash out Britain’s list of Brexit demands, the Cabinet should bear this in mind.

The British public voted in the referendum for control of borders, and that means an end to free movement. Any deal which fails to honour this would be an abject betrayal – and could have dire consequences for the Tories at the next election.