Finance Minister Claims Migration Makes Country Richer
German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil defended immigration as enriching Germany while acknowledging welfare abuse exists and calling for stronger enforcement against fraud by both migrants and citizens.
In remarks delivered during an appearance on the ARD program “Die Arena” on Monday, the Social Democratic Party politician doubled down on previous statements made by Labor Minister Bärbel Bas, according to Junge Freiheit. Klingbeil stated he is prepared to fight for the position that immigration enriches Germany.
The Finance Minister argued that Germany needs foreigners who come to work in the country, citing both economic benefits and cultural diversity. He went further, suggesting Germany should facilitate employment for even more people, including those currently classified as refugees.
Klingbeil expressed frustration that so-called refugees are prohibited from working for years after arriving in Germany. He demanded this policy be changed.
Minister Acknowledges Welfare Abuse Exists
Despite his defense of mass immigration, the SPD politician did not deny that welfare abuse occurs. He acknowledged the reality of social benefit fraud, citing cases where 50 people live in single apartments. In such instances, Klingbeil called for intervention with the full force of the state, insisting that social welfare abuse must be stopped.
However, he cautioned against allowing such cases to tarnish people with migration backgrounds as a whole, calling that approach fundamentally wrong. He emphasized the government’s role in protecting those who come to work and earn money in Germany, arguing the country needs such individuals.
The Finance Minister drew a parallel between foreign welfare fraudsters, German citizens receiving unemployment benefits improperly, and multimillionaires exploiting tax loopholes. He argued the state must not tolerate any of these situations, as honest citizens ultimately bear the consequences.
Political Center Must Address Problems
Klingbeil positioned solving welfare abuse as a responsibility of the democratic center in German politics. He warned that failing to address these problems provides ammunition for those who wish harm to the German state.
The minister expressed concern about what he characterized as growing social acceptance of negative discourse about migrants, foreigners, and newcomers. He declared that changing this atmosphere is not solely the responsibility of politicians but of all citizens.
As a positive example, Klingbeil pointed to football players on the German national team who are visibly migrants. He expressed his wish that not only politicians and the SPD, but many people throughout the country would naturally say that such individuals represent modern Germany and belong to it.
With information from Junge Freiheit
