German Chancellor Friedrich Merz defends his controversial remarks about migration, asserting that many citizens feel unsafe in public spaces due to the presence of undocumented migrants.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has reaffirmed his controversial statements regarding migration, claiming that many Germans and Europeans feel “afraid to move around in public spaces.” His comments have sparked significant backlash, particularly from various political factions within Germany.
During a recent visit to Potsdam, Merz addressed the ongoing issues related to illegal immigration, stating, “But we still have this problem in the cityscape, of course, and that’s why the federal interior minister is facilitating and carrying out large-scale deportations.”
The remarks drew criticism, with some accusing the Chancellor of harboring racist sentiments. In response to the backlash, Merz defended his position while attending a summit on the Western Balkans in London. He emphasized that migrants play a vital role in the labor market, as reported by German-based DW News.
Despite acknowledging the contributions of migrants, Merz insisted that many people in Germany and across Europe are still “afraid to move around in public spaces.” He attributed this fear to the presence of migrants who lack permanent residency, do not engage in the workforce, and fail to adhere to local regulations.
When pressed about whether he would retract his earlier statements, Merz responded, “I don’t know whether you have children. If you do, and there are daughters among them, ask your daughters what I might have meant. I suspect you’ll get a pretty clear and unambiguous answer. There’s nothing I need to retract.”
The controversy surrounding Merz’s comments has led to the creation of a petition challenging his views. Among the signatories are prominent figures such as actor Marie Nasemann and environmental activist Luisa Neubauer. Neubauer expressed her concerns on Instagram, stating, “There are approximately 40 million daughters in this country. We have a genuine interest in ensuring that our safety is taken seriously. What we are not interested in is being misused as a pretext or justification for statements that were ultimately discriminatory, racist and deeply hurtful.”
As the debate continues, Merz’s comments highlight the ongoing tensions surrounding immigration policy in Germany and the broader European landscape.
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