Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has come under fire for his provocative statements and hardline stance on immigration. Merz has emerged at the head of his party by pledging to adopt a harder line on migration than his predecessor, Angel Merkel. He frankly dismisses her lyrical catchphrase, “we can do it,” which characterized her hopeful inaugural role in Europe’s refugee crisis, nearly a decade ago. His comments have received widespread condemnation, with detractors calling his rhetoric “dangerous.”
Merz’s strategy has created a dangerous populist climate that critics say is similar to the rhetoric of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). Most recently he hit the news for blaming New Year’s Eve vandalism on so-called “little pashas”, a name he gave to the sons of migrants. He even claimed that asylum seekers were occupying dental appointments, preventing German citizens from receiving care.
Merz is fighting tooth-and-nail to cement his standing. He argues for the need of “equity in public space” and maintains that safety must be restored if establishment political parties are to earn the trust of people again. He concluded that only by ensuring this safety, will they regain the trust of voters.
“I don’t know if you have children, and daughters among them,” – Friedrich Merz
Merz was understandably attacked for saying that, but he doubled down on the stupidity. As the then-party chairman, Friedrich Merz, repeatedly stated, the “fundamental differences” between the CDU and far-right AfD party excluded any cooperation. He is determined to keep the CDU as far away from the far-right AfD party as possible. This is happening as the AfD consolidates powerful support in Germany’s east, eyeing a record for the party at 40%. This has caused alarm among the CDU as they prepare for strategic elections anticipated in three important states next year.
During a recent interview, Merz faced a reporter’s question about whether he intended to revise his remarks on potential “very large scale” expulsions of individuals from cities. In turn, he fired back, unapologetically saying he had “nothing to apologize for.” Critics say that these statements increase division in an already divisive world. They create a negative environment of fear regarding diversity in cities.
“It’s dangerous when ruling parties try to label people as a problem based on their appearance or origin.” – Clemens Rostock
The response has been intense to Merz’s remarks. Political leaders like Federal Minister for Family Affairs Ricarda Lang condemned him for putting certain demographics first when talking about the rights and safety of women. Lang hinted that maybe it’s not just citizens’ “daughters” who are tired of Merz’s rückschrittpolitik.
“Perhaps ‘the daughters’ are also fed up with Friedrich Merz only caring about their rights and safety when he can use them to justify his completely backward-looking policies?” – Ricarda Lang
Merz’s rhetoric reflects increasing alarm among Germany’s political class as parties on each end of spectrum deal with the threats of populism and extremist ideology. His comments have ignited a lively discussion on immigration policy and national identity in Germany. The CDU desperately hopes to reposition itself, as it’s been forced to by shifting public opinion.
Alice Weidel, the leader of the AfD, weighed in on the political dynamics, stating, “They’re fighting against the AfD, we’re fighting for Germany.” This statement underscores the contentious atmosphere surrounding immigration and national politics, as parties vie for voter loyalty amid rising support for right-wing ideologies.
The CDU convened over the weekend to develop plans to win their upcoming elections. At the same time, Merz’s speech reverberated strongly across the political establishment. Many of his party’s members are still wary of his hardline stance, worried that it would alienate centrist voters.