Merkel‘s “Wir Schaffen Das”: A Decade Later, Germany Grapples with Legacy of Open-Door Policy
Berlin – Ten years ago, a single phrase – “Wir schaffen das” (“We’ll manage this”) – defined Angela Merkel’s chancellorship and irrevocably altered Germany’s political landscape. As the nation marks the decade anniversary of the height of the 2015 refugee and asylum crisis, the legacy of that optimistic declaration remains deeply divisive, sparking debate over its humanitarian impact versus its long-term consequences.
Facing immense pressure on Germany’s borders, merkel uttered the now-iconic words in response to questions about the country’s capacity to handle the influx of migrants, primarily from Syria, Afghanistan, and North Africa. The statement, remarkably hopeful for German political discourse, initially inspired a wave of public support and volunteerism, with citizens offering food, shelter, and assistance to those arriving.However, a recent documentary featuring the former Chancellor reveals a growing regret: Merkel admits she underestimated the scale of the unfolding European crisis and the chance it presented for actors like Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to exploit vulnerable populations. “It was clearly going to be a big challenge,” Merkel stated,while maintaining that Germany largely met the humanitarian test.A Nation Divided
But for manny Germans, “Wir schaffen das” represents a catastrophic loss of control. Recent events underscore the lingering anxieties. A violent attack in Dresden, where a US citizen was slashed in the face by a Syrian national with a prior criminal record, has reignited the debate. Furthermore, two high-profile trials are currently underway involving Syrian and Afghan defendants accused of deadly stabbings.
These incidents, coupled with the mass sexual assaults in cologne and the 2016 Berlin Christmas market attack – which left 12 dead – have fueled a growing sense of insecurity. A recent poll reveals that half of all Germans no longer feel safe in public.
Rise of the AfD
The crisis also provided fertile ground for the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Once on the brink of collapse, the AfD has surged in popularity, capitalizing on public fears surrounding immigration and national identity. Merkel herself acknowledges this outcome, stating the AfD “got stronger” consequently of her 20
