The opposition accused Merz of using the playbook of the far-right "Alternative for Germany."
German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz defended his announced plans for large-scale deportations of migrants in order to ensure public safety. The statement made last week drew criticism even from his own party, the CDU.
When a journalist urged him to take back his words or apologize for them, the head of government replied: "I don’t know if you have children, including daughters. Ask your daughters, and they will give a clear and straightforward answer. I am not going to take back my words. The situation needs to change. Anyone who faces this knows that I am right."
Earlier, Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner stated that such rhetoric is unacceptable. According to him, the capital of Germany is a diverse, international, and open city. He acknowledged that there is a problem of violence and crime in Berlin, but stated that it is unacceptable to blame any particular nationality for it.
The opposition accused Merz of using the playbook of the far-right "Alternative for Germany," which is strongly opposed to migrants. The leader of the Green Party faction, Katharina Dröge, called the Chancellor's statements offensive and discriminatory.
In the first half of this year, the number of deportations of migrants from Germany significantly increased compared to the same period last year. From January to June 2025, 11,807 people were deported.
