Free Movement of Peoples

On the subject of Switzerland’s recent cap on immigration, Germany’s Süddeutsche Zeitung says:

The non-member state Switzerland merely articulated what was already on the minds of many EU member states. The Swiss have opened a Pandora’s Box which other opponents of the free movement of peoples will now reach into as well. It will no longer suffice for Brussels to pout and point to the principle of freedom of movement to brush off criticisms. There are real problems, and citizens everywhere want to see them solved.

Nothing is more annoying than to see people dance around an issue, never saying what is really on their mind. No problem can be solved until its causes are named. There was never a “free movement of peoples” in the EU. For as long as I can remember, Western Europe was guarded better than Fort Knox. But, of course, when you start talking about a non-existent “free movement of peoples,” it sounds so noble and lofty. Who can possibly be against the freedom of peoples?

Let’s just state the painfully obvious: for a very long time, the rich countries of Europe were making every possible effort to ensure that the immigrants who come into their countries will never be able to assimilate. This was the only quality that was sought. “Free movement of peoples” was never of the slightest interest to anybody.