Germany’s political landscape has been shaken by heated debates surrounding immigration. With the country’s recent election results and an ongoing rise in far-right sentiments, discussions on immigration are at a crossroads. As Germany continues to grapple with these issues, the question arises: Can the nation shift the conversation toward more inclusive and constructive discussions on immigration?
Election Results and Rising Concerns
This past Sunday, Germany held nationwide elections, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s political scene. The conservative alliance (CDU/CSU) led with 28.5 percent of the vote, followed by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) which made significant gains, securing just over 20 percent. The Social Democratic Party (SPD) placed third with just over 16 percent, while the Greens and Left Party (Die Linke) garnered 11.6 percent and 8.7 percent of the vote, respectively.
While the results themselves weren’t shocking, the growing influence of the far-right AfD party has raised alarm among many, particularly among Germany’s foreign-born residents. Despite the AfD’s exclusion from any future coalition government due to a ‘firewall’ policy enforced by mainstream parties, the group’s xenophobic and racist rhetoric has begun shaping political discourse. The AfD’s anti-immigration stance was evident in their controversial campaign materials, including flyers resembling “deportation tickets,” aimed at pushing for mass expulsions of migrants.
According to a recent survey, some residents from foreign backgrounds expressed fears following the AfD’s success. David, a foreign resident, said, “I don’t feel safe and frankly have no plans to travel anywhere near the East German states.” Meanwhile, Dmitry from Düsseldorf shared, “At least one fifth of the voters hate me and want me gone.”
But it’s not just the AfD’s rhetoric that is fueling anxiety. The CDU/CSU, which traditionally represented Germany’s conservative wing, has also shifted further to the right. Immigration restrictions have become a focal point of their platform, a move exacerbated by recent violent attacks involving individuals from migrant backgrounds. CDU/CSU’s leader Friedrich Merz recently criticized the government’s citizenship reforms, arguing that reduced residency requirements and expanded dual citizenship options “create too many problems.”
A Better Approach to Immigration Conversations
What does all of this accomplish? What do these divisive narratives about immigration really achieve for the future of Germany?
It’s clear that the country needs a shift in how immigration is discussed. Germany is facing a shortage of skilled workers, with an urgent need for hundreds of thousands of foreign professionals annually to fill labor gaps and contribute to the country’s social welfare system. Therefore, it is crucial that Germany’s political leadership takes a more pragmatic approach to immigration.
The discussion about immigration should not be solely focused on restrictions. There are significant debates that need to be addressed regarding the support for refugees, integration policies, and the rules for foreigners seeking to live and work in Germany. These are not simple issues, but they must be handled in a manner that acknowledges the contributions of immigrants to the country’s economy and society.
On a personal note, living in Berlin has opened my eyes to the rich cultural diversity that immigrants bring to Germany. Having relocated from a smaller city in Scotland, I’ve had the privilege of learning about various cultures and ways of life. This diversity has made my experience in Germany deeply enriching, and I believe it has enhanced the country as a whole.
Rising Threats to Democracy
Germany, like many countries, is navigating turbulent political waters. Around the world, there are growing concerns over the future of democracy and the rise of authoritarian regimes. These global uncertainties, coupled with Germany’s own political challenges, make the stakes higher than ever.
As Germany grapples with these challenges, it’s essential that political leaders recognize the contributions that immigrants make to society rather than pandering to far-right rhetoric. Research has consistently shown that anti-immigrant narratives benefit extremist movements and contribute to societal division. By reframing the conversation around immigration, Germany has the potential to heal divisions and foster unity.
Hamburg’s Upcoming Election
The political season isn’t over yet. Hamburg, a Social Democrat stronghold, is preparing for its state parliamentary elections on Sunday, March 2nd. According to polling data, the Social Democrats are leading with around 33 percent of the vote, followed by the CDU with 18 percent and the Greens with 17 percent.
In the previous 2020 election, the SPD secured 39.2 percent, while the Greens received 24.2 percent, and the CDU performed poorly with just 11.2 percent. This election will be an important test of the political climate in Germany’s northernmost city.
Editor’s Farewell: A Personal Reflection
As I write this, I am preparing to step down as Editor of The Local Germany after six and a half years. My time here has been marked by numerous significant events, from Angela Merkel’s tenure as Chancellor to the upheaval caused by Brexit, the pandemic, and the war in Ukraine. Throughout these events, immigration remained a central topic, and it’s been a privilege to cover the evolving discussions around citizenship reform and the shifting political landscape.
Reflecting on my experiences, it’s clear that immigration is not just a political issue—it’s a deeply human one. The stories, struggles, and successes of immigrants are part of the fabric of modern Germany. While I will be stepping away from my role, I remain hopeful that the conversations surrounding immigration in Germany will grow more inclusive and reflective of the contributions immigrants make to the nation.
As I take a pause and reset, I remain deeply grateful for the opportunity to share these stories with you, and I look forward to seeing how these important conversations evolve in the future.
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