Germany: Migrants flow in by train; Merkel dismisses criticism over letting them in

MUNICH— Embracing its role as a defender of those in need, Germany welcomed at least 10,000 more asylum seekers into the country Saturday. As officials worked to give all a firm roof over their weary heads, a packed stadium cheered some of the littlest newcomers, who walked in hand-inhand with top soccer players.

Germany over the past week has taken in more than 40,000 people fleeing war and poverty in the Middle East, Asia and Africa — and a poll has suggested broad support for the government’s course.

Still, Vice-Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel said the sheer speed of arrivals was outpacing Germany’s ability to provide emergency housing. He said Germany needed its European Union partners to agree to host some of the newcomers at a meeting Monday in Brussels. Several Eastern European nations have insisted they won’t accept any EU quotas on taking asylum seekers.

Across the continent Saturday, Europeans marched and rallied on both sides of the migration issue.

In several Polish cities, thousands held opposing rallies, with radical right-wingers marching against hosting asylum seekers and others in smaller numbers supporting helping them.

In Athens, a rally and march in solidarity with migrants drew about 500 people.

In Budapest, a demonstration and concert at the Keleti train station meant to express solidarity with migrants drew mostly people angry about Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s treatment of them.

Saturday evening, up to 30,000 people gathered outside the Danish parliament in Copenhagen, and chanted in English: “Say it loud and say it clear: Refugees are welcome here!”