Gerhard Karner: 'The rule of law needs strength and teeth'

Gerhard Karner, the Austrian Interior Minister, has asserted that “the rule of law needs strength and teeth,” during an interview with Kurier. Speaking shortly after presenting the lowest asylum numbers in two decades, Karner emphasized the success of Austria’s efforts to deter migration through both domestic and European policy shifts. His remarks come amid ongoing discussions over border security and the effectiveness of push factors in reducing inflows. The interview was prompted by comments made by Dominik Nepp, leader of the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ), who had previously stated that Vienna should become “as unattractive as possible” for migrants. Karner acknowledged the importance of both pull and push factors in shaping migration patterns, citing increased measures such as stricter controls at internal borders and improved protection along external frontiers, particularly the Bulgarian-Turkish border, as key contributors to the decline in asylum applications. He noted that the number of voluntary returns, especially from Syria, reached record levels, though he did not include a case involving a former Syrian police officer currently on the run in Vienna due to alleged involvement in violence under the Assad regime. Karner dismissed Nepp’s approach as misguided, arguing instead that right-wing parties often promote the very conditions they claim to oppose. He referenced recent events in Spain’s North African enclave, Ceuta, where thousands of migrants attempted to cross into Europe. According to Karner, the response came not from left-leaning groups, which traditionally assist migrants, but from far-right figures like Martin Sellner, who used social media to stoke fear and suggest that Europe is being overrun. Despite Ceuta’s proximity to Africa, Karner argued that these individuals celebrated the influx as a means to generate political momentum. In addressing concerns over misinformation, Karner confirmed that Austria uses social media platforms to counter false narratives spread by smugglers. A campaign titled “Return from Austria” highlights successful returnees, while experts engage in closed chat groups to monitor and respond to illegal communication networks. Karner described this effort as akin to deploying anti-asylum influencers, emphasizing the need to combat fake news and disinformation campaigns orchestrated by organized smuggling rings. He acknowledged the shock caused by images from Ceuta, noting that the situation led to the largest repatriation operation in European history, with between 70,000 and 80,000 individuals denied entry. However, Karner criticized Spain for failing to address pull factors, including mass regularization policies and skepticism toward the EU’s asylum pact. When pressed about Morocco, he suggested that migration can be part of hybrid warfare aimed at destabilizing other nations, though he praised the cooperation between Moroccan and Spanish authorities in preventing further incursions. Karner also addressed the possibility of similar incidents occurring along the Balkans route, warning that criminal activity could occur if one country becomes frustrated with European policies. He stressed the necessity of preparedness and reaffirmed his belief that the rule of law must be enforced with determination. He hinted at the establishment of return centers outside of Europe, describing them as a reality that would have been unthinkable just three years ago. While he refused to specify locations, he mentioned that five countries, including Denmark, are working together, each engaging with different stakeholders, all while maintaining discretion. The discussion underscores the complex interplay between national and transnational strategies in managing migration flows, highlighting both the challenges and the evolving approaches within the European Union.