Union's Internal Strife: CDU Leader Backs Merkel's "We've Got This" Commitment
In 2015, Germany welcomed an estimated 800,000 refugees, a move that was initially praised by CSU politician Joachim Herrmann as "phenomenal." However, he noted that an overload became apparent after a few weeks.
Former Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) made a bold statement during this time, declaring "We can do it." This sentiment was echoed by Merkel in a recent interview, where she explained that she wanted to emphasize that Germany faced a major task and hoped for the support of the population with her statement.
Merkel's decision, while controversial, was not made lightly. She believes that making a decision that is right and sensible is not a reason to avoid making it. However, she acknowledged that her decision contributed to the rise of the AfD.
The current CDU General Secretary, Carsten Linnemann, finds the current integration efforts "unsatisfactory." He emphasizes the need for preventing illegal migration into the social system and promoting legal immigration into the labor market. As of now, less than half of the 6.5 million people who have come to Germany since 2015 are employed.
Linnemann believes that the policy of the current government in 2025 should focus on preventing illegal migration and promoting legal immigration. Herrmann, too, emphasized that qualified immigration is of central importance.
Merkel has wondered whether more could have been done for the people on site as early as 2012/13, during the Syrian civil war. She does not believe that her decision led to an overstraining of Germany. On the contrary, the Bavarian Minister of the Interior, Joachim Herrmann, cited in a newspaper, claimed that Merkel's 2015 decision caused overloading of welfare systems.
Merkel does not see Germany's integration efforts as advanced as they were in 2015, but she believes they have come a long way. She stated that her decision led to disputes within the Union, which were not helpful in tackling the major task of integration.
The CDU, under the leadership of Merkel and Linnemann, continues to focus on integration efforts, with a focus on preventing illegal migration and promoting legal immigration. As of now, there are no new statements or policies regarding pension, citizen's income, health insurance, or inheritance tax.
The rise of the AfD is not a reason to not make a decision that Merkel believes is right and sensible. Instead, the CDU is working towards a future that balances compassion and practicality in managing immigration and integration.
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