Merkel Defends Border Opening and Criticizes the Media
Former Chancellor Merkel criticized media overblown coverage of CDU-SPD disputes, defended her 2015 border policy, and condemned AfD’s populism while affirming Germany’s democratic strength.
As to whether she believes the responsibility lies solely with the media, the former CDU leader did not give a direct answer. She called on politicians to be aware that there is no solution without discussion. “And today, discussion is immediately labeled as conflict.”
According to Merkel, it is necessary to understand that these are “processes of opinion formation,” which are “inherent to the matter.” “Before we always talk about conflict, let us also consider this: that people are working, and with considerable passion, to solve complex problems,” Merkel argued. “A compromise solution is what makes diversity and majority acceptance possible.”
Merkel Did Not Want Water Cannons Used Against Migrants
Furthermore, the CDU politician confirmed her 2015 decision not to close the borders. “There would not have been the possibility to remove ‘refugees’ from the country with water cannons.” Migrants who arrived in Germany had to be treated humanely and in accordance with German law. “And fortunately, I found many people who supported this. Otherwise, it would not have been possible at all.”
At the same time, however, the AfD acted populistically, xenophobically, and intolerantly. Merkel herself fought to distance herself from this. “I believe that even today, after mature reflection and analysis of that time, this is the right stance.”
Despite the ongoing crises, Germany remains a strong democracy, “despite all the attacks, for example from the AfD.” Whether the party of Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla should be banned Merkel did not want to comment on. “But it certainly will not have any cooperation with me.”
Source: Junge Freiheit
