Agency Report –
Protests against German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s recent comments about urban migration are set to continue in some German cities over the weekend.
Merz said last week that his government was correcting past failures in migration policy: “But we still have this problem in how our cities look, of course, and that’s why the federal interior minister is facilitating and carrying out large-scale deportations.”
In subsequent days, first his critics, then politicians within his governing coalition, and even his deputy as chancellor weighed in, warning against divisive language when it came to migration. Major refugee organization Pro Asyl slammed his comments as “inexcusable.”
On Wednesday this week, Merz clarified that he was referring to migrants without residence permits and jobs who do not comply with German laws.
Around 5,000 participants are expected to protest in several German cities on Saturday.
In Hamburg, the protest will start at 1 pm (1100 GMT). In Magdeburg and Nuremberg, demonstrations involving hundreds of people are expected.
There have already been several protests in recent days with thousands taking part.
