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Why Europe's politicians are wary of refugees

Europe is weary of the welcome to refugees, which is bad news for the hordes making their way to the continent. Germany talks of values while other countries talk of inadequate means to handle the crisis. Some say that the mass migration and acceptance of the situation, while doing nothing about it would be tantamount to 'suicide' for the European Union. But the biggest threat is when the population begins to see this influx as a war on European civilization - of openness, tolerance and human rights - values on which the bloc was built on.
Right-wing groups have exploited anti-refugee sentiments to gain power in parts of Eastern Europe, a hub of communist influence during the Cold War. Poland has already swung to the other extreme with a right-wing government in place. Others could follow suit if Europe does not find common ground, or the means to jointly handle the situation.
A top-down approach dictated by powerhouse Germany and its Chancellor Angela Merkel has complicated the crisis. The question is how many more refugees can Europe can take if the civil war continues to rage in Syria? Has the continent reached a saturation point for tolerance? Has patience run dry?
Germany accepted one million refugees last year alone. More than 35,000 have reached the continent in the first three weeks of January this year. The German chancellor is walking into a political landmine, and she knows it, particularly after the Cologne sexual assaults against women, allegedly by African and Middle Eastern refugees. A majority of Europe does not share her enthusiasm for warm receptions anymore. The Paris attack was the turning point and France is doing some plain speaking against the plan.
On Friday, French Prime Minister Manuel Valls said the EU faces a 'grave risk' with the rush of refugees. It appears that patience is paving way to intolerance among mainstream parties and governments. The shift in tone - from moderate to hardline - is apparent. It's a question of political survival as the far right rises. Leaders in Europe are becoming practical in their approach after the initial surge of emotion. "We've had enough of values," they seem to say. Conscience can wait because 'societies will be destablised', according to the French PM.
"A message that says 'Come, you will be welcome' provokes major shifts" in population, Valls said on the German position.
To be fair to Europe, the continent has done its best under the circumstances, but it cannot be expected to handle a crisis of this magnitude alone. The largest migration since World War II came without warning, and the continent was unprepared for it. It still is. But the boats keep coming and thousands have died making the dangerous crossing, including 44 migrants in the chilly waters of the Mediterranean on Thursday.
Valls is right in saying the EU could be destabilised by this exodus. At a political level, tighter border controls and the death of Schengen could provide a solution - a selfish one at that.
Integration of millions of refugees and their assimilation into local populations pose the bigger challenge. A challenge that politicians are unwilling to confront because it will hurt their appeal with voters during elections.