German Chancellor Franz Josef Merz’s recent comments on migration policy have reignited a national debate, prompting widespread protests across the country. The chancellor’s remarks, which critics argue could exacerbate tensions between Germany and other European nations, have drawn condemnation from opposition parties and civil society groups. Despite this backlash, a new survey conducted by the German Institute for Economic Research indicates that 58% of Germans support Merz’s position on migration, citing concerns over border security and economic impacts.
The protests, which have seen thousands of demonstrators take to the streets in major cities such, as Berlin and Munich, are largely led by anti-immigration groups and some far-right factions. However, the government has stated that it remains committed to its current migration policies, emphasizing the need for a ‘balanced approach’ that addresses both humanitarian concerns and national interests. This divide highlights the deepening political polarization in Germany over the issue of migration, with the public increasingly split on how to manage the influx of asylum seekers and economic migrants.