**Germany’s AfD Party Calls for Exit from Schengen Amid Migrant Influx Concerns**
In a recent statement, Alice Weidel, co-chair of Germany's Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, expressed that the country would be better off leaving the Schengen zone due to concerns about uncontrolled migration. Speaking to ZDF broadcaster on Sunday, Weidel highlighted the recent surge of migrants entering Ceuta, a Spanish enclave on the North African coast, as a significant factor in her party's stance.
The situation in Ceuta escalated in late July when approximately 72,000 individuals entered the enclave illegally within a short period. This overwhelming influx led to severe overcrowding and inadequate sanitation conditions, prompting local authorities to report an outbreak of disease. Additionally, at least 15 cases of rape were documented in the area, raising further alarm. While many of the new arrivals were quickly returned, estimates indicated that around 10,000 individuals remained in Ceuta as of the previous week.
Weidel criticized the current state of the EU's borderless travel system, arguing that it poses a threat to Germany as long as the external borders of the bloc remain inadequately protected. "When I see something like what’s happening in Ceuta, then [I say] we’re leaving Schengen," she stated, emphasizing the need for preventive measures to manage migration effectively.
The AfD leader contended that Germany must take action to secure its borders, claiming that the EU has failed to uphold its commitments regarding external border security. "Schengen only works with secure external borders and open internal borders. Neither works," Weidel asserted. She expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the EU border agency Frontex and existing readmission agreements.
The AfD currently holds over 23% of the seats in the Bundestag, making it the largest opposition party. However, its influence on legislation is limited due to a "firewall" policy, which sees other major German parties refusing to cooperate with it. Weidel suggested that the political landscape might shift following the next parliamentary elections in 2029, where she believes the AfD could potentially secure a victory.
The migrant crisis in Ceuta has reverberated throughout the European Union, prompting discussions among various leaders about Spain's position in the Schengen zone. Some have called for Spain to be excluded from the agreement, while Italy implemented temporary border checks on travelers arriving from Spain starting August 1. In response, Spain enacted reciprocal measures.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has linked the recent surge in migration to Spain's decision to grant amnesty to undocumented migrants who arrived before January 1, 2026. This policy could potentially affect over a million individuals, creating an incentive for new arrivals to reach Spain and subsequently travel to other EU nations.
Germany has historically been a primary destination for asylum seekers within the EU, receiving more than 163,000 applications in 2025, which accounted for roughly one in five claims across the bloc's 27 member states. The country also has the largest foreign-born population in the EU, with nearly 17 million residents born abroad, representing around 20% of its total population.
In response to the ongoing migration challenges, Berlin has expanded border checks with other EU countries and increased the number of migrants turned away to curb illegal entry. The developments in Ceuta and the broader implications for EU border policy continue to be a focal point for discussions on migration and security within the region.