Yes, the reimposition of controls at Europe's internal borders came suddenly. Yes, the interruption of rail traffic between Germany and Austria was an imposition. But no, these measures were not, and are not, a scandal.

Angela Merkel's spokesman Steffen Seibert was right when he announced the day after the surprising decision to check cross-border traffic: "The German government always acts as the situation demands."

A week earlier that same government had allowed migrants stranded in Hungary into the country. For this, Merkel earned more praise than criticism. Now the reverse is true, because she has supposedly battened down the hatches. In fact, by doing so she reduced the pressure in the boiler. This was necessary to take a breather for the next huge steps.

Germany will continue to take in many, many refugees - more than all other European countries combined. Merkel's deputy in the chancellery, SPD leader Sigmar Gabriel, is now talking about one million. Whoever says the breaking point has been exceeded, is right.

This was true even when Interior Minister Thomas de Maizière said the number of refugees expected this year was 800,000, double the forecast in the spring. It may well be that they fudged these numbers for tactical reasons - as if they didn't want to alarm the German public!

The people are often ahead of politics

If members of the government really thought this, it proved unfounded. The response of the overwhelming majority in Germany showed that people were often a step ahead of politicians. And that includes the opposition in the Bundestag, the states, the cities and municipalities.

The refugees coming to us, many of whom will be here to stay, are a national responsibility. The needy are both subject and object. As victims of war, as well as victims of policies that failed for other reasons, they deserve humanitarian assistance.

This aid rescues people who come from Syria and many other countries from death. Against this background, even a policy that often seems uncoordinated or contradictory has a high intrinsic value. That's something the refugees in fear of their lives (hopefully) understand. And, of course, the interests of the indigenous German people must be respected. Then, solidarity can reach limits that have nothing whatsoever to do with xenophobia, or even hatred.

Germany sets an example

As hopeless and desperate the situation may sometimes seem, there is a need for improvisation. On all sides. The important thing is an honest, (self-)critical approach. Neither horror scenarios nor whitewashing have a place here. The willingness of other countries we now observe to at least emulate the generous refugee policy of Germany a little, must be credited as a success of the German government.

That Merkel is now even receiving plaudits from Hungarian anti-EU President Viktor Orban should spur on true Europeans, and encourage them to stick to their humane course. It should come as no surprise that this course lurches forward, and often heads in the wrong direction.

We are all witnesses to a vast migration full of tragedy and despair, happiness and emotion. Despite setbacks and contradictions, Germany has proved its worth.

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