When German Chancellor Angela Merkel opened the doors of her country to refugees fleeing war and persecution, she won all-round praise for her prompt and bold action in saving the lives of thousands of people. But a year later, this optimism has given way to fears over how Europe’s largest economy will manage to integrate the large numbers who arrived last year alone. One way in which this has been expressed is through the polls held in the regional parliament of Mecklenburg-Western Vorpommern. Merkel’s conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) won just 19 per cent in its worst ever showing in the north-eastern state. What is of more concern is that the xenophobic Alternative for Germany (AfD) clinched around 22 per cent in its first bid for seats. The former Communist state is Germany’s poorest and least populous, but it holds symbolic meaning as it is home to Merkel’s constituency Stralsund.
The results will put the chancellor under fresh pressure over her liberal refugee policy. The polls in Berlin will be held in two weeks and general elections next year. Merkel’s decision to let in the refugees will be a key point of contention. Merkel has helped Germany over the past decade to become an economic powerhouse in Europe, but the migration policy has sparked a feeling of insecurity among the people. After attacks by asylum seekers in July, the mood has changed dramatically.
Merkel showed remarkable confidence in the strength of her country when she welcomed hundreds or thousands of refugees looking for a new home. Stories of residents welcoming those in need have warmed the cockles of many of a heart. But beyond the emotion, there lies a feeling that she has given away too much and is taking in too many people. The far right is now trying to cash in on this feeling.
Leaders like Merkel must be applauded and supported for going beyond politics and showing a human face in the midst of distress. Opening the borders, supporting refugees with programmes to help them integrate into the new country and standing up for her convictions must be appreciated. Xenophobia may win a few seats, but it will not get the country anywhere. It is time for Germans to see what has been achieved and then look at the vast opportunities that lie ahead before taking a short-sighted decision. Merkel has displayed stamina during Europe’s debt crisis and the time is now for her to do it again. The chancellor must continue the fight against those who claim that the country belongs to only a few.
