Former Chancellor Merkel Criticizes Germany’s Border Policy on Refugee Rejection

Angela Merkel has criticized the Christian Democratic Union’s (CDU) immigration policy, particularly its stance on tightening border controls and rejecting asylum seekers at the border. In an interview with Der Spiegel, the former German Chancellor remarked, “I still think this is not right.” She emphasized that sending asylum seekers back to Germany’s borders will not address the root of the migration issue. Merkel underscored the need for the European Union to tackle irregular migration collectively to prevent Europe from facing significant consequences.

Merkel highlighted the crucial role of openness within the receiving society, stressing its willingness to adapt and embrace cultural diversity. She reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to welcoming migrants, stating, “Integration is impossible without the openness of the receiving society. A fundamental requirement is a basic understanding of other cultures.”

During her tenure as the German Chancellor, Merkel firmly resisted closing Germany’s borders during the 2015 refugee crisis. Defending her decision, she explained, “I felt that closing the borders would have undermined the credibility of all those Sunday speeches about our great values.” She further remarked, “The idea of deploying water cannons at the German border was horrifying to me and, in any case, would not have been a solution.”

Merkel acknowledged the concerns many Germans have about the rising number of migrants, particularly fears linked to Islamic terrorism. She referenced the anxiety within society following knife attacks carried out by some refugees. However, the former Chancellor emphasized the need for the government to adopt a balanced approach, ensuring policies that address these fears without leading to intolerance or excessive harshness—outcomes that many Germans also worry about.

Merkel revealed that she delved into the topic of migration in her forthcoming autobiography, set to be released next week. Reflecting on the 2015 refugee crisis, she wrote, “The desperate situation of refugees in Hungary reminded me of GDR citizens seeking refuge in the West German embassy in Prague shortly before the fall of the Berlin Wall.”

Moreover, Merkel reflected on her experience in the German Democratic Republic and highlighted the importance of treating refugees humanely. She stated, “A friendly face does not make anyone leave their homeland,” referring to the situation of refugees in East Germany, noting that they “do not expect a better life here in the Federal Republic.

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