From Wikinews, the free news source you can write!
Friday, October 24, 2025
Prime Minister Merz, who drew criticism for his statement that foreigners were spoiling the city’s appearance, declared, “We cannot give up on immigrants,” and sought to clarify his remarks.
On 14 October 2025, Prime Minister Merz of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) delivered a bold response at a press conference in Potsdam, Brandenburg, to the growing influence of the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party. He stated that they were trying to correct the mistakes of previous governments on immigration and make progress. He stated, “It is clear that this problem persists in the city’s appearance. The Minister of the Interior is therefore also working to enable and implement comprehensive repatriations.”
Following the backlash, Merz was unequivocal in stating that there was no reason to retract his October 20, 2025, statement, emphatically declaring, “On the contrary, I want to emphasize it once again. We need to change this situation. Ask your daughters and they’ll tell you exactly what I mean.” Merz was rightfully criticised for generalising all immigrants and foreigners and embracing AfD rhetoric. This criticism intensified following these statements, leading to protests in various cities, particularly the capital, Berlin.
On October 23, 2025, in London, Chancellor Merz attempted to clarify his remarks that “foreigners spoil the city’s image.” Merz noted that both Germany and the European Union will continue to need immigration in the future. He said, “Many people with immigrant backgrounds are already an indispensable part of our employment market. Regardless of where they come from, their skin colour, whether they are first, second, third, or fourth generation living and working in Germany, we cannot afford to abandon them.”
