We Are the Face of the City. Youth Boycotted Merz Over His Comments on Migrants 0 15

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is clearly having a tough week. First, he faced criticism for remarks perceived as negative towards the Brazilian city of Belém, which is hosting the COP30 summit, and then he had to deal with a partial boycott during the presentation of the 'Talisman' award for social cohesion.

This occurred in Berlin, where part of the audience attended the event wearing stickers on their clothing that read 'We Are the Face of Cities,' and demonstratively left the hall when Merz took the stage.

Outside, the attendees took a group photo and returned to their seats only after the Chancellor's twenty-minute speech concluded.

In this way, they expressed their disagreement with Merz's recent statement regarding migrants. In October, the Chancellor reported that the government is correcting long-standing mistakes in migration policy, adding, 'We still have this problem in the urban landscape.' This phrase sparked widespread public debate and protests.

Merz sponsors the integration fund that presents the 'Talisman' award. This time, he honored athletes who contribute to social cohesion.

The Chancellor stated that some of the awardees are 'role models for many young people with a migration background.' He acknowledged that the history of the Federal Republic of Germany would have been less successful without the influx of migrants, noting that the influx of foreigners should be regulated and structured, and that this is the secret to successful integration.