Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) has expressed self-criticism regarding the way he delivered his controversial comments about migration and its impact on the “cityscape.” “I perhaps should have explained earlier what I specifically meant by that,” Merz said on Monday evening during the ARD program “Die Arena.” He added that he “would do it differently today.” Merz emphasized that Germany both needs and wants migration and immigration.
Back in October, Merz sparked a heated debate after claiming that migration was having a problematic effect on the “cityscape” in his view. He was subsequently accused of discrimination and racism.
“I believe everyone who was of good will understood what I meant,” Merz said during the ARD broadcast in response to audience questions. He reiterated that he continues to see issues with migrants who, for example, do not follow rules in swimming pools or train stations. Such behavior, he stressed, must “stop.” “Those who want to live in our country must follow the rules. And if they don’t, they have to go,” the CDU leader said.
However, Merz underscored that this was only one part of his overall position. “Our country must remain an open country for immigration from those who want to work here, who want to live here, and who want to integrate into Germany.”
Germany also needs immigration to address labor shortages, including in the care sector, Merz continued. He pointed to the care home where his parents live: “Without those who come from other countries, it simply no longer works.” The same, he stated, applies to other professions. “This differentiation is something I would like to emphasize more strongly.”
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