Germany’s governing coalition moved on Monday to tighten benefits for migrants as Angela Merkel, chancellor, displayed a sharper tone towards those drawn to the country for economic reasons.

Ms Merkel has been lauded around the world for Germans’ welcoming embrace to migrants. More than 22,000 people entered Germany by train at the weekend after Vienna and Berlin announced an agreement to allow refugees to continue their journey from Hungary.

However, Ms Merkel suggested that there were limits to such generosity after facing criticism from her conservative allies the Christian Social Union over the decision to admit the refugees. “We will protect those who should be protected but those with no prospect of staying must leave our country,” she said on Monday.