Spahn Backs Merz‘s Controversial ‘Cityscape’ Remarks, Drawing Criticism from DGB
BERLIN – Health Minister Karl Lauterbach defended CDU leader Friedrich Merz’s recent comments about the visible impact of migration on German cities, stating they reflected a widely observed reality. The remarks, made during a party event, sparked debate and drew sharp criticism from the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB).
Merz had suggested that a noticeable proportion of individuals in cities like Berlin do not appear “typically German,” implying a connection to migration patterns. His statement ignited accusations of coded language and fueling anti-immigrant sentiment. Lauterbach, however, argued the discussion is necessary to address integration challenges. He echoed sentiments from Chancellery head thorsten frei, who dismissed the debate as ”surreal” and pointed to observable consequences of migration in schools and institutions where integration has been unsuccessful. Frei emphasized the importance of reaching an integration capacity, framing successful integration as a positive outcome of migration.
The DGB strongly condemned Merz’s statements, accusing him of employing populist rhetoric and equating people with migration backgrounds to criminality and social dependency. A reader comment published by Tagesspiegel similarly criticized the language used by Merz and Health Minister Jens Spahn, calling for a more objective discussion focused on the problems caused by migration policy. The debate underscores ongoing tensions surrounding immigration and integration in Germany, with implications for future policy discussions and public discourse.
