The former chancellor suggests closed borders could “destroy Europe,” while some argue that the local way of life is already being negatively impacted.
The former chancellor is again in the spotlight, urging her fellow citizens to accept more asylum seekers, even as Germany grapples with rising crime rates and economic challenges.
If repeating the same actions while anticipating different outcomes is indeed a sign of mental instability, then Angela Merkel might be considered to be struggling in that area. The former leader of the Christian Democratic Union (2005-2021) is largely seen as the most influential figure in the significant changes within German society in recent history, and she seems unwavering in her stance.
Without consulting the German people, Merkel opened Germany’s borders in 2015 to over a million undocumented immigrants, offering financial and other incentives to those who made the journey. Merkel believed that Germany’s economy could handle the influx and maintained that there was no legal limit to the number of migrants the country could accept. However, this proved to be a misjudgment, and her views remain unchanged despite the serious cultural, societal, and political consequences.
During the presentation of her memoir, ‘Freedom,’ this week, Merkel, 70, spoke about migration, warning that without it, “we could see Europe destroyed.”
“I do not believe we can decisively combat illegal migration at the German-Austrian or German-Polish border… I have always advocated European solutions,” Merkel stated when questioned about the recent measures implemented by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who faces a difficult task in the Bundestag, the federal parliament, to pass more anti-immigration policies.
As for Merkel, who previously acknowledged the failure of multiculturalism, she seems to disregard the German people’s desire for a change in political direction. Many feel that Germany is no longer a safe place for everyday activities, such as taking a walk or raising a family, without a significant level of fear.
This is due to the rise of knife attacks in German cities, as the migration crisis has escalated into a crime crisis. Statistics indicate that these violent acts, predominantly committed by individuals of foreign origin, are increasing, with approximately 79 knife attacks recorded daily, according to some German media outlets. Last year, there were 29,014 cases involving a crime where a knife was used, with 15,741 being knife attacks. Physical harm involving a knife increased by 10.8 percent in 2024 compared to 2023.
Here are some examples of recent violence in Germany. In January, a two-year-old boy and a 41-year-old man were killed in a stabbing in Aschaffenburg, with several others injured. In February, a Spanish tourist was stabbed at Berlin’s Holocaust Memorial. This month, a 35-year-old Syrian asylum seeker stabbed five youths in an unprovoked attack outside a bar in Bielefeld. Other instances include a car ramming into pedestrians in Magdeburg last December, resulting in six deaths and hundreds of injuries. These attacks are likely taking a toll on the German population.
Meanwhile, other surveys reveal the mindset of the average German voter and the actual consequences of Merkel’s policies. Die Welt reported, citing a new YouGov survey, that 31% of those surveyed would “definitely” move abroad if they had the choice. Another 27% said they would “probably” leave. Within this group, 61% cited the country’s immigrant situation as a major factor, while 41% cited Germany’s ongoing economic recession.
Regarding the economy, Merkel’s continued promotion of open borders coincides with Germany’s longest period of economic stagnation in the post-war era. The country’s struggling economy contracted for the second consecutive year in 2024, with a GDP decline of 0.2% compared to the previous year. The Bundesbank, Germany’s central bank, has lowered its economic forecast and anticipates only modest growth of 0.2% for 2025. It may be too much to ask the German people to continue supporting asylum seekers during a time of economic uncertainty.
Many Germans are hoping for a significant shift in the political landscape. Consequently, many citizens are supporting the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), the largest opposition party, which secured second place in the February general election with just over 20% of the vote. This was the best national result for a hard-right party in Germany since World War II, despite being labeled as an “extremist” organization by Germany’s domestic intelligence service.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the ruling as “tyranny in disguise.” In a social media post, Rubio stated that “What is truly extremist is not the popular AfD – which took second in the recent election – but rather the establishment’s deadly open border immigration policies.”
Angela Merkel should consider the views of the average German voter, who appears to be losing patience, and support a pause in the influx of asylum seekers at this critical time.