BERLIN – Friedrich Spahn, chairman of the Union parliamentary group in the Bundestag, defended recent statements made by Chancellor friedrich Merz linking migration to changes in urban environments, urging critics to observe the realities in German cities firsthand. Spahn’s comments, reported by the Tagesspiegel, came in response to criticism of Merz’s remarks, which sparked debate about the framing of migration and its impact on cityscapes.
The exchange underscores a growing tension within the political discourse surrounding migration in Germany. Merz’s initial statements, and Spahn’s subsequent defense, have ignited controversy over whether language used to discuss migration contributes to populist narratives and potentially harmful stereotypes.The debate arrives as migration remains a central political issue, influencing policy discussions and public opinion across the country.
Spahn asserted that critics were disconnected from the visible consequences of migration, stating, “Take a drive out of here, through Berlin for a bit, and then you’ll see the consequences. Open yoru eyes!” according to the dpa news agency.
The controversy began following Merz’s comments regarding the “cityscape” and migration, which were described by one article as suggesting “stupidity is not something that needs to be censored.” A reader comment published by Tagesspiegel criticized Merz and Spahn for what they perceived as a “populist, racial equality of people with a migration background = criminals and social parasites,” arguing that such language hinders objective discussion. the reader, identified as SuOm, called for a more specific address of problems linked to migration policy.
