Friedrich Merz on Immigration
TL;DR
Friedrich Merz advocates for significantly increased deportations and a much harder line on migration to curb perceived public security issues.
Key Points
He championed "very large scale" expulsions of individuals from German cities as a necessary measure for public security, as of October 2025.
The leader stressed that European migration policy decisions belong to Europeans, firmly rejecting external pressure, including reported lobbying from the US administration in November 2025.
He has blamed his predecessor's approach for giving ground to the far-right AfD party, advocating for a tougher line on migration since taking office in May 2025.
Summary
Friedrich Merz, as Chancellor, has adopted a considerably tougher stance on immigration, primarily focusing on increasing the scale of deportations and prioritizing security in public spaces. He has publicly championed "very large scale" expulsions, suggesting that a failure to address these issues is causing mainstream parties to lose public trust to the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). This position contrasts sharply with the more lenient approach associated with his predecessor, whom he blames in part for the current political climate surrounding migration. He has resisted calls to retract or apologize for his hardline remarks, asserting that change is necessary.
His rhetoric, which has drawn accusations of adopting language similar to extremist parties, is framed as a necessary political countermeasure to win back voters worried about crime and migration-related concerns. Furthermore, he has asserted German and European sovereignty on the matter, explicitly rejecting external pressure, such as that from the US administration, regarding European migration policy. His current policy direction signals a clear pivot toward stricter enforcement and a focus on internal security as the primary justification for his immigration stance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Friedrich Merz's current position is characterized by a strong push for stricter controls and a significant increase in the number of deportations. He links this hardline stance directly to restoring public trust that he believes has been eroded by concerns over migration and crime. He insists that greater security in public spaces is contingent upon these tougher measures.
Yes, the Chancellor has faced significant criticism, with some accusers claiming he is adopting the "dangerous" rhetoric of extremist parties. This backlash followed remarks suggesting large-scale expulsions and using a highly personal appeal to justify his stance. Despite the criticism from across the political spectrum, he has stated he has nothing to take back.
He has firmly rejected any external pressure regarding European migration policy, specifically countering reported lobbying efforts from the US government. Merz asserted that charting a course on migration is the sovereign business of European nations, which they will manage independently. He indicated Germany is already on the 'right track' since his government took power.